In response to the letter by Laurence Allen of Travel Experience (Travel Weekly November 29), I write to explain that in a positive attempt to become a privatised and more profitable company, Air Namibia has undergone a restructuring process in 1999.
These have been carried out both internally, with changes in staff and administration including the appointment of new managing director, Jaafar B Ahmad, and also externally, with new flight schedules and the purchase of a new Boeing 747-400 Combi aircraft.
Mr Allen from Travel Experience has unfortunately experienced these teething problems first hand with administrative delays on refunds and billing, as have other operators.
Whilst the restructuring process has led to inevitable, but regrettable disruptions which have affected many travellers this year, Air Namibia is in the process of recruiting new staff to cope with the strategies in place for the privatisation plans.
The airline will also be adopting an improved accountancy system, which will resolve the administrative problems. We thank all involved for displaying patience throughout this tough year and hope that we can truly roll out the red carpet to our clients as an improved, well equipped and efficient African airline as the new Millennium dawns. Since the publication of Mr Allen’s letter , he has been reimbursed his administration fee.
Irene Norris
UK sales manager
Air Namibia