Mixjet, a UAE based flight support company is facing the prospect of losing its airline customer, Uganda Airlines after it emerged as the weak link behind a recent refueling delay at Dar es Salaam that cost the airline dearly both monetarily and in image.
The airline will particularly be concerned about its public perception which was dragged through an unforgiving social media fueled largely by fake news and misunderstanding.
Scores of Ugandans took to twitter to address a narrative that a Uganda Airlines jet had run out of fuel
However, Uganda Airlines apologized for the delay and attributed it to delayed fuel delivery from the supplier.
Mixjet has subcontracted Total to offer fueling services at Dar es Salaam, however, Total is also not in full control of its value chain thereby creating potential for inefficiencies
According to local media, the airline has moved to terminate its existing contract with mixjet pending approval from the government
“Notice is given for termination of contract with Mixjet and a new competitive and transparent procurement process is initiated to cater for the services currently provided for in the MixJet contract” the airline reportedly said.
Uganda Airlines flies to 10 destinations in East and Southern Africa. Despite a reduction of frequencies in response to tighter travel restrictions and slashed demand brought about by a new wave of the corona virus in Uganda, Dar es Saalam remains one of the airline’s top routes with a 5 time weekly frequency under its July schedule
Photo Courtesy – Airbus. By L. Borrel
