New Boeing 747F cargo plane comes to Zambia
By NATION REPORTER STABO Air and Euro Cargo Aviation have launched a new Boeing 747F cargo aircraft in Zambia, with a 63 percent capacity increment from the previous MD11F cargo plane.
The B747 arrived in the country on Tuesday at the Kenneth Kaunda international Airport and was received by transport and communication Permanent Secretary, Misheck Lungu Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) management.
Eng. Lungu explained that the new cargo plane was a positive move for the country’s transport sector, which he said would help boast rev- enue for the country.
“The Boeing 747F has a 63% capacity increment from the MD11F allowing for an increased cargo uplift in and out of Zambia,” said Eng. Lungu.
Eng. Lungu observed that the aviation cargo movements in Zambia had dropped drastically in the last few years in terms of exports, negatively impacting many industries including horticulture.
He noted that despite Zambia receiving a lot of offers in terms of exports relating to produce grown in the country and the mines who were importing approximately 60 metric tonnes of cargo on a weekly basis, the aviation sector did not bernefit.
Eng. Lungu added that due to the negative impact on the aviation industry, many companies opted to be sending their goods by road.
“This travesty needs to come to an end, I would like to encourage the business community including commercial farmers and manufac- turers to utilise the great service being offered by Stabo Air through their partnership with Euro Cargo Aviation and other cargo operators,” he said.
Air transport remains the fastest, most efficient and safest mode of transportation and was critical to the success of any business that imports and exports goods, explained Eng. Lungu.
He further called on the manufacturers and farmers to be creative and produce goods that can be exported, earning the country foreign currency.
He explained that in order for the Zambian market to progress and companies such as Stabo Air to strive in Zambia, there was need to have the right facilities to accommodate the various needs of all sides of the spectrum.
He assured the two Aviation companies of Government support to help grow the business in the country.