ZAMBIA AIRWAYS AWAITS OPERATOR’S CERTIFICATE

ZAMBIA Airways is awaiting the air operator’s certificate from the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA) to operationalise, and it is expected to raise US$291 million revenue once it takes to air, Zambia Airways Chief Executive Officer Bruk Endershaw has said. Mr Endershaw said air operators certification (OAC) was still in progress, therefore, it would take to air once the certificate was issued. He told the Daily Nation that there was a perception by the public that the Zambia Airways project was a flop and it would not actualize. Mr Endershaw said the project was on course, the appropriate procedures were being followed for the national airline to operationalise. “Zambian aviation was dominated by the national airline (Zambian Airways), which was liquidated in 1994, since 1994 Zambia has not had a national carrier. This time around the national airline will take to air. The project is being well handled especially with the support from the government who are the majority shareholders. 55 percent shares are held by the Zambian Government through Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and 45 percent shares are held by Ethiopian Airline. “Air operator’s certification (OAC) is in progress , International Air Transport Association (IATA ) letter code and 3 letter accounting number is in progress , recruitment of Management and supporting staff is in progress and 25 Zambian Cabin Crew Trainees are currently being trained at Ethiopian Aviation Academy,” he said. Mr Endershaw said Zambia Airways would operate eight aircraft, three Q-400, two B737-800, and three B787-800 aircrafts. Our goal is to transport 1.37 million passengers, thereby generate US$291 million revenue and make US$7.85 million net profit, Mr Endershaw said. He also said that about 289 high quality jobs would be created for Zambians, adding that the Zambia Airways would establish its own training academy to train pilots. Mr Endershaw said the initiative by government to relaunch the national carrier would enhance the socio economic development of the country through promoting investment, tourism and create employment.