Zambia National Airline Board to be unveiled soon - Minister

GOVERNMENT through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is in the process of appointing a Board of Directors for the Zambia National Airline, says Transport and Communication Minister Brian Mushimba. Mr. Mushimba said once board members were formally appointed, the board would then appoint the chief executive officer of the national airline and management. He said Government had signed bilateral air service agreements with other countries aimed at creating a mutually beneficial framework that would ease movement of airlines into Zambia from various destinations across the globe. “The Turkish Airlines has indicated commencing two flights into Lusaka per week from Istanbul. This is the beginning of our vision to transform Lusaka into a transport and logistics hub of the southern region,” he said. In a follow-up question Kabompo MP Ambrose Lufuma asked what measures and assurance Government had put in place to avoid the collapse of the Zambia National Airline like it did in 1994. Mr Mushimba said the increased passenger flight demand in Zambia was one of the positive indicators that the national airline would flourish. Roan MP, Chishimba Kambwili said he had warned Government against taking such a path of acquiring a national airline as it would result in financial loss and questioned how much money was put in place. Mr. Mushimba said the new national airline would be devoid of political interference and that Government had secured $30 million which would provide for acquisition of equipment, fuel and staff.