ZAMBIA Airways CEO Bruk Endeshaw says the airline will have another aircraft by the end of the first quarter of this year.

The national airline officially commenced its operations on December 1, 2021, with only one aircraft, from its hub in Lusaka to domestic destinations of Livingstone and Ndola.

Responding to a press query on the airline’s performance since its launch, Thursday, Endeshaw said the airline had stimulated job creation and created a new market of first-time flyers by offering affordable fares.

“Since its successful launch on 1st December 2021, the airline has maintained its schedule integrity of connecting passengers five and six times a week between Lusaka/Livingstone and Lusaka/Ndola respectively, thus linking businesses and connecting families and friends. This historical achievement has reignited Zambian national pride carried by the wings of a strong and reliable airline which has stimulated job creation, created a new market of first-time flyers by offering affordable fares and this gives the country representation in global aviation driven by the vision to be the most competitive and leading airline in the region,” he said.

Endeshaw stated that the airline would also start flying regionally to Johannesburg and Harare to boost regional integration as well as enable the Zambian business community to further spread its wings.

“Looking into the future, Zambia Airways will, at the end of Q1 2022, add another aircraft to its fleet which will aid in satisfying demand as well as extend our wings to more domestic routes i.e. Solwezi and Mfuwe. In this time frame, we will also start flying regionally to Johannesburg and Harare as our expansion drive takes flight. This will boost regional integration as well as enable the Zambian business community to spread its wings further,” he stated.

Endeshaw said since its launch, the airline had been adhering to the recommended COVID-19 guidelines.

“During these challenging times of COVID 19, Safety is very important to us and therefore we have been adhering to the recommended guidelines from the Ministry of Health [of] Zambia and other relevant health organisations. This signifies a passion to bring people, cultures and business together, in line with our business goal to ensure that every Zambian is able to fly affordably both domestically and to the region,” said Endeshaw.

“Zambia Airways continues to grow and we assure the public that we are working to offer the best flying experience and customer care as part of our promise of true Zambian hospitality. We look to fly more and more people this coming year as we are indeed the ‘New Wings’ of Africa. This significant milestone would not have been possible without the support of the stakeholders, the trade, partners, and general public who have thus far supported and made this possible. We truly value your continued support.”