The Minister of Infrastructure and Mineral Resources of São Tomé and Príncipe, José Rio hopes that the air connection between Angola and Faly, which began yesterday, will attract more Angolan investments and new dynamics to the Island.
José Rio, who was speaking to journalists, moments following the landing of Flay’s inaugural flight to his country, said that the Angolan company’s connection opens a window to discover the potential of his country, particularly in the field of tourism.
“We are one of the least populated countries on the African continent and we have beautiful beaches, tourism is impeccable and we hope it will bring investment,” he said.
For the official, the arrival of the Angolan company in his country opens up an opportunity, as in addition to the international connection, Flay will also reinforce the domestic routes between São Tomé and Príncipe Island, having highlighted that there was already a need, mainly in the field tourist. Regarding competitiveness, minister José Rio says that the company offers lower prices, which he considers good for his country.
He reinforces that the more operators that appear in his country will be positive, as he considers competition to be healthy and conditions will be better.
São Tomé does not have the infrastructural conditions to receive aircraft of all types, but José Rio assured that the government is working towards this end, and there is already a project for the rehabilitation and modernization of Nunes Xavier International Airport, which should start within a few months.
Angola and São Tomé have a partnership in the field of air transport, as is the case with the connections provided by TAAG and now by Flay.
José Rio hopes, however, that a company will emerge that provides a direct connection between São Tomé and Cape Verde, a challenge that will launch Angolan companies.