Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Chief Executive Officer Mr. Cornwell Muleya has pledged full support to help Zambia Airways (2014) Ltd strengthen its operations and expand its footprint in the region.
Mr. Muleya made the commitment during a visit to the airline earlier today, where he commended the carrier’s management and board for their resilience in overcoming the early hurdles of a start-up.
The airline, which took to the skies on December 1, 2021, is jointly owned by IDC with a 55%t stake and Ethiopian Airlines holding the remaining 45%. From its hub in Lusaka, it operates flights to Livingstone, Ndola, and Solwezi locally, as well as Johannesburg, Dar-es-Salaam, Nairobi and Harare regionally.
“We believe in Zambia Airways as a necessary tool for development,” Mr. Muleya said. “No country has lifted the aspirations of its people without a national airline. We need it to improve connectivity, which is very important for the economy.” Mr Muleya urged the airline to continue engaging the government for business support.
Zambia Airways Board Chairperson Mr Jomo Matululu said Zambia Airways remains focused on becoming a competitive regional player, committed to providing safe and customer-centered services.
“We are working toward establishing Lusaka as a regional hub while supporting socioeconomic growth and air connectivity,” he said, while thanking IDC for its continued strategic support.
Zambia Airways CEO, Thomas Gebreyohannes Woldesenbet, acknowledged that the airline had faced some challenges common to young carriers, but said the airline has gained new heights.
Looking ahead, the airline plans to add a Boeing 737 to its fleet and expand service to Lubumbashi in Congo DR while increasing frequencies to Dar-es-Salaam, Johannesburg, Nairobi and Harare.
