Air Botswana, the national airline, is set to procure four new aircraft as part of its strategy to bolster its presence in the domestic and regional niche market. Additionally, Air Botswana has selected APG Network as its General Sales Agent (GSA) for markets beyond the country’s borders.
At present, the carrier operates two new-generation ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft and one Embraer E-170 jet for its domestic and regional routes. The four new aircrafts are expected to be delivered later this year.
Under the agreement, APG Network will furnish the airline with an online General Sales Agent (GSA) in South Africa, along with offline GSAs in Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Richard Burgess, President of APG Network, expressed his delight at being selected by Air Botswana to provide General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA) representation services across various countries in Europe and Asia, along with online services in South Africa.
“This marks the next step in our valued and longstanding relationship with the airline and we are looking forward to working closely with the excellent team at Air Botswana to further develop passenger traffic from around the world.”
In his committee of supply statement, Transport and Public Works Minister Eric Molale emphasised Air Botswana’s dedication to strengthening its financial position and promoting growth through a revitalised strategic approach.
As part of the new strategy, Air Botswana is prioritising the optimisation of its operations and concentrating on core objectives. Molale disclosed that the procurement of the additional aircraft is currently in progress and is anticipated to be finalised by the end of this month. This acquisition is poised to facilitate the expansion of the route network and enhance the capabilities of the cargo business division.
Additionally, Molale underscored the airline’s commitment to optimising flight operations by ensuring a full staffing complement, which entails recruiting additional pilots, engineers, and cabin crew members in the forthcoming fiscal year.
Despite facing financial constraints and logistical challenges, Molale affirmed that Air Botswana remains steadfast in its pursuit of value chain development initiatives. Funding has been allocated for the expansion of maintenance and repair facilities, a move expected to not only reduce operational costs but also generate revenue through third-party aircraft servicing.
Molale noted a commendable improvement in safety standards, with effective implementation rising from 61 percent to 80.1 percent. However, he highlighted a historically low performance in Aerodrome and Ground Aids (AGA) at 46 percent. Efforts are underway to rehabilitate infrastructure to attain international airport certification, with Maun International Airport (MIA) and Sir Seretse Khama Airport (SSKA) already certified.
Looking ahead, Molale outlined plans for the certification of Kasane International Airport and PG Matante in the upcoming financial year, alongside an AGA-specific audit by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to bolster global aviation safety standards.
