31 May 2024

Air Botswana has procured four Embraer jets in an effort further spread its wings and promote growth through a revitalised strategic approach.

Procurement of the four Embraer jets, adding to the current two generation ATR72-600 turbo propeller aircraft and an Embraer E-170 Jet, is part of Air Botswana’s re-fleeting exercise aiming to enhance its services and customer satisfaction.

Briefing the media recently, Air Botswana general manager, Ms Lulu Rasebotsa revealed that three of the four aircraft had been fully paid for, while the procurement process for the fourth was still in progress.

She highlighted that Air Botswana was committed as the national carrier to continuing to provide world-class services to domestic travellers and visitors who came in increasing numbers to do business in Botswana either as tourists to experience the outstanding natural attractions with which Botswana was so richly blessed.

“Air Botswana has been working round the clock to improve its operational performance and address issues of flight delays which have been a challenge over the years thus the new fleet would further bolster our presence in the aviation space both locally and internationally,” she said.

She said the re-fleeting exercise demonstrated their commitment to positively contribute to the country’s economic growth owing to the role they played in driving the tourism industry. “We are in the service provision business and a national airline like us is a key player in the hospitality value chain,” she added.

Also, she said the new aircraft would also create employment opportunities for among others, cabin crew, piloting and engineering units.

She added that procurement of the new fleet affirmed that Air Botswana remained steadfast in its pursuit of value chain development initiatives through serving locally produced products during its flights.

She further indicated that acquisition of new aircrafts was poised to facilitate the expansion of the route network through reviving and establishing new routes like Gaborone-Namibia, Gaborone-Durban, Maun-Capetown and Maun-Nelspruit.

She said Air Botswana was also committed to enhancing the recently launched cargo business division. Therefore, she pleaded with the media to be patriotic in their reporting on Air Botswana saying “we need to protect the national airline since it is a national asset.” Ends