Zambia Airways Cleared For Take-Off

Transport and Communications Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya has issued Zambia Airways with its air operators certificate, allowing the company to use its aircraft for commercial purposes. The national carrier is now one step closer to relaunching, nearly 26 years after its flights were grounded. 

Speaking at an event to commemorate the relaunch, Mr Kafwaya revealed that Zambia’s aviation sector had been predicted to grow by 13% per year before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

This, he said, signified the sector’s potentials to contribute towards Zambia’s GDP and to create jobs in the country. 

“The establishment of the national airline and investments being made by the government in the transport sector are in line with the focus on the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP); and the national transport policy which aims at transforming Zambia into a transport and logistics hub in the Southern African region,” he said. 

However, these are difficult times for the aviation sector, with the global pandemic disrupting holiday plans and forcing travellers to stay at home. During the height of the pandemic in March, US aviation giant Boeing saw its stock fall 54%. 

Nevertheless the government is confident the establishment of a new national airline will turn Zambia into a commercial hub and boost the tourism, horticulture and manufacturing sectors.