Government says it is working around the clock to ensure that the cost of jet one fuel is reduced so as to ensure the airline industry grows.
Ministry of Transport and Communication Permanent Secretary Misheck Lungu says the ministry has noted some of the challenges the airline industry was facing and has not sat back.
“We are sitting down with various stakeholders to see how the fuel for planes can be reduced. Currently jet one fuel is high and not favouring operators, “said Mr.Lungu.
Mr.Lungu who spoke at the launch of the inaugural flight of Royal Zambian Airlines route to South Africa, encouraged the private sector to fill in the gap of airlines which have grounded routes
“Right now South African airlines is facing challenges and it is just prudent that you take it up. People are always traveling and there must be air transport,” he pointed out.
Mr. Lungu commended Royal Zambian Airlines for launching the flight as it was a clear demonstration the opportunities in business were still there despite the Coronavirus pandemic.
And the Permanent Secretary further indicated that plans to launch the national airline carrier were progressing and the delay should not make other players from participating in the airline industry.
He said the national development corporation (IDC) tasked with the project was working towards its successful take off and its status in terms of progress will be made known to the public soon.
The Permanent Secretary also noted that the cost of airspace parking was high and such concerns are been addressed by his ministry.
He observed that air travel and operation related taxes were high but reaffirmed the state’s resolve to have them reviewed.
The permanent secretary however stated that government remains committed to supporting the growth of the airline industry in the country.
He said the investment of more than k1.5 billion kwacha in infrastructure such as the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport is a clear demonstration of the importance of the sector to government.
And Zambia Airports Corporation Limited Managing Director Mfumu Mondoloka says the new terminal at KKIA will commence operations in the second quarter of 2021.
Mr Mondoloka said the contractor engaged to construct the multimillion kwacha structure was finalizing works.
Meanwhile Zambia Civil Aviation Authority Director General Gabriel Lesa says it will continue engaging private airline operators to address the problems faced in their operations.
Mr Lesa said the standards been set by the private sector were encouraging and continuous engagement with government on contentious issues was important.
Earlier Royal Zambian Airlines Business Development Consultant Joseph Mulenga said private sector participation in the airline industry had the potential to contribute to job creation and development in the country.
Dr Mulenga noted that the airline is happy with enabling environment government has created for the sector.
What a bad time to launch this kind of business. Could n’t they just have continued flying low key and then come launch next year after we have all been vaccinated?
The new Zambian airline is a welcome move. However, who are behind this new airline and its partners. Some vital information Zambians would need to know. IDC is government driven investment initiative and can not birth a private airline even though may cover aspects IDC agenda. Zambians are aware of a recently failed airline that was in name only but BID. Airline industry is quite a challenge in these times even in industrialised countries, its taking a huge knock. So, who are behind this expensive investment – transparency will encourage its patronage and support where as unexplained money cleansing ventures will be shunned and doomed. Zambia in recent years has haemorrhaged huge resources through corruption by its corrupt officials and leadership. Cleansing corrupt resources will not…
#Kapitao, you must be very dull. What is the difference between opening a new airport vs vaccinations, meantime flights are going on.
You Zambians seem to have a lot of attitude, The ones that come to post on social media seem to be very conceited . I notice that before you criticize anyone most of you preamble the criticism with “you are very dull” Meaning the poster must be cleverer although in this case that cleverness is difficult to see.
Only people who are insecure go for such personal insults before a w ell worked out argument wich is very absent here.
This man PS Misheck Lungu is either very dull or just telling lies ….. which stakeholders is he talking that might reduce Jet A1 fuel apart from govt itself which has hit this fuel with high tax…there is a reason why Kenyan Airlines to Nairobi at flies via Harare for a quick 20 minute stopover its not to carry five passengers but to refuel.
@Kapitao there’s no opportune time to launch a business. Those that wait for the perfect moment never get started.
@Muna Dekhane, I fully agree. The move is welcome and very inspiring but I also wish we had more information on the proprietors and their investment profile. While the risk capacity may currently be high for airlines in these uncertain times, the profitability margins are likely to be immense once operations fully resume and it is only those that brace themselves now that will be a step further in future. European governments know this very well and that is why they have not neglected their airlines but have given them adequate financial support to save them from bankruptcy.
Albert and Nine Chale obviously you havent understood Kapitao’s post. He is very right. He is not saying dont start operations. You can but a launch is a marketing operation and given the covid situation it wouldnt be ideal. You need to derive fantastic publicity from a launch. If I were CEO of the airline I would let the company operate without a launch until the atmosphere is conducive to draw audiences and of course, passengers
Lol…? Guess they don`t understand what they are doing?
No! Understand they do not
We have no royalty in Zambia , but still the growth of homegrown airline is welcome.
…..cost are too high , ……costs are too high ……,costs are too high…
That all we hear. It is true, Too many caders as middle men and a case of GRZ departments wanting to make free money off businesses instead of through innovation and efficiency
Ifintu kubelenga first elyo mwauma launch