ZAMBIA Airways is celebrating a significant milestone in the final quarter of 2023, as it etches its name into the nation’s aviation history. The airline has successfully acquired the first-ever locally registered Boeing 737-800, a move that underscores its determination to carve a prominent place in Zambia’s aviation landscape and eventually compete on a continental level.
The announcement of Zambia Airways’ acquisition of the Boeing 737-800NG was first made in March 2023. This impressive aircraft boasts a passenger capacity of 189 seats, presumably configured in an all-economy layout. It signifies the airline’s entry into the African regional market and is set to play a pivotal role in servicing the airline’s inaugural regional route to Johannesburg.
On September 26, this remarkable aircraft touched down at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in a triumphant arrival welcomed by dignitaries and government officials. Among the esteemed guests were Transport and Logistics Minister Frank Tayali, ZACL Board Representative Irene Tembo, Zambia Airports Corporation Limited’s Acting Managing Director Cosam Ngoma, and Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Acting Chief Executive Officer Leya Ngoma.
Frank Tayali, the Transport and Logistics Minister, emphasised the significance of this acquisition for the national carrier, saying, ‘This acquisition also signifies the airline’s dedication to providing a superior travel experience to its passengers and boosting Zambia’s presence in the aviation industry. This new aircraft will take us a step further in enhancing our local and international aviation footprint, opening up new routes, and connecting more cities.’
Zambia Airways has enjoyed remarkable growth since its relaunch in 2021. In 2023 alone, both international and domestic travel have surged, witnessing a staggering increase of 106 percent and 133 percent, respectively, compared to the figures recorded in August 2019. These impressive statistics were presented in a report by Cosam Ngoma, the acting Managing Director of Zambia Airports Corporation Limited.
In addition to the newly acquired Boeing 737-800, the airline’s existing fleet includes two DHC-8 Q400 aircraft. This diverse fleet configuration enables Zambia Airways to efficiently serve domestic routes to Livingstone, Ndola, and Solwezi, as well as regional destinations like Harare and Johannesburg.
The Republic of Zambia embarked on a mission to relaunch its national carrier and revive its glory days reminiscent of the 1970s. This ambitious endeavour saw the Zambian government partnering with Ethiopian Airlines, which secured a 45 percent stake in the venture for $30 million. The official launch of the new airline took place on October 24, 2018, Zambia’s Independence Day, with plans to expand the fleet to 12 aircraft and operate multiple regional routes by 2028.
However, a series of delays compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic led to the actual launch of Zambia Airways in 2021. The airline initially operated using DHC-8s wet-leased from Ethiopian Airlines. While the timeline for achieving the intended targets by 2028 remains uncertain, recent developments have undeniably been promising, indicating Zambia Airways’ commitment to growth and expansion in the aviation industry.