ZAMBIA has intensified its push to re-establish a national airline to help boost the tourism industry in line with the new government’s plan to re-align tourism as one of the frontline economic sectors.
Deputy Minister of Tourism and Arts, Hon. David Phiri, who is leading the Zambian delegation at the 2012 World Tourism Market (WTM) here, says it has become evidently clear that the country’s tourism sector will not get to its desired position without a national airline.
Mr. Phiri attended the Ministerial Session that discussed a range of issues aimed at boosting the global tourism industry.
“The question of connectivity is a central factor in the development of Zambia’s tourism sector. This can only come about where there is a viable national airline. There is consensus in both government and industry that Zambia needs a viable national airline and I know that President Sata is keen on this,” Mr. Phiri said.
The minister said the new PF administration has allocated unprecedented amounts of money to the tourism industry and provided generous tax incentives for the next five years for Zambians wishing to develop tourism infrastructure in national parks.
The minister said: “What the new government has done is unparalleled in the history of our country and we are determined as a ministry not to fail the President in his bold and broad vision to rejuvenate this important sector of the economy.”
But these efforts will bear fruits once the problem of connectivity is resolved through the establishment of a national carrier. The minister is pleased that the Zambia High Commission in London has opened discussions with prospecting investors who are proposing to lease out aircraft to Zambia for the establishment of a national a carrier.
The minister’s delegation includes: the Permanent Secretary Ms. Charity Mwansa, Zambia Tourism Board (ZTB) managing director Mr. Felix Chaila and senior staff from the ministry and ZTB. The minister will later this afternoon host cocktail for tour operators and leading media outlets in London at the Zambia Stand at Excel Centre, UK’s premier exhibition arena.
The World Travel Market (WTM) is global networking exhibition staged annually in London as the Leading Global Event for the Travel Industry providing a vibrant business event with a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to UK and International travel professionals
Meanwhile, Government has said that the country will have a national airline in place before the UNWTO general assembly to be co-hosted by Zambia and Zimbabwe next year.
Transport, Communication, Works and Supply Minister Chris Yaluma told parliament this morning when he delivered a ministerial policy statement.
Mr Yaluma told the house that government intends to establish the national airline which will be the nation’s flag carrier.
He said his ministry has been actively consulting and engaging various stakeholders to see how this vision can be realised.
And Mr Yaluma has said that his ministry is optimistic that the blacklist imposed on Zambian planes from flying in the European airspace will be lifted.
He said that the European Union has given Zambia three million Euros under the European Development Fund to go towards putting in place measures to address the concerns that necessitated the blacklist of Zambian planes.
The Minister adds that the International Civil Aviation Organisation coordinated validation mission team is expected in the country from the 12th to 15th of December 2012 to come and verify the extent to which Zambia has improved in the areas that necessitated the ban.
On what basis is the conclusion that establishing a national airline will boost tourism? Is the government going to subsidise the tickets on the national airline which means are Zambians going to subsidise the adventures of rich foreigners? Are there not enough flights to zambia already?
Having a national air line helps reduce the cost of travel through transit visas, connections and time. These factors are directly linked to tourism
@Zedian
What capacity does Zambia have to run an airline that would make any impact on transit visa’s etc. you will have one big enough plane that will service London heathrow and perhaps Paris and Dubai. That’s it! Dubai perhaps justified for the Zambian business people who frequent that part. London and Paris, simply for Govt egos and that will be a national drainer. That’s a fact!
Those who are against this idea of establishing an airline, have you at one point sat down and understood why Aero Zambia, Zambian Express, Zambian Airlines and now Zambezi Airlines have all failed? The model to run an intercontinental private airline in Zambia is not attainable. You need government to get involved just as it is done in Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. This is because a National Carrier apart from the profits that it would make, would help develop the other non visible aspects about a country such as good will and recognition which are big factors in tourism marketing, that is why governments in this world have taken to invest in National Airlines despite the risks.
Ba Kuta, if I’m correct the airlines you mentioned are barely making a profit, in some cases even incurring huge losses. However if government feel they can run an airline then by all means go ahead. But I will always maintain that developing infrastructure throughout the country should be the priority.
I support Kuta, the profitability aspect is attained and maximised in other sectors such as tourism, which is not the case with private owned airlines. For them profit has to be directly accrued…
Airlines are an expensive venture. That’s why all those airlines Kuta mentions failed. That’s also just the reason we don’t want govt to waste our money on what we can already see will be a loss making venture. On the continent of Africa no national airline makes a profit so where will Zambia get the funds to subsidise a national airline?
Way to go. I hope this comes to fruition.
Good plans… butets wait and see. establishing an Airline will require us to be very much prepared. The competition in this industry has now shifted from the one that Zambia Airways encountered- we need to be adequately prepared.
I am not sure about the wisdom in that.Days for parastatals are gone bane.Leave that to private players.
The so called private sector has failed. it is good the govt is getting involved. The private sector can be partners.
This is a good idea. Don’t just oppose.
Mumembe and Nchito pushing to jump start their cash cow!
Im told thieves in PF have amassed a lot of money that they are going to venture into this program.
E
ish….
Ati shani apo GBM?
@mputyu put politics aside let’s thing of developing the country. All in all watch and contribute positive moroever if this will work out you’ll be a proud zambian to have an air line (zambian air line).
Stop this! We cannot even run UTH and yet we want to start flying up and down. We can’t even prepare Lusaka for the rainy season that comes every year and yet … Success will only come when we can take our ministers to our local hospitals. Even SAA is unprofitable and keeps being funded by the South African government. Do we need that? NO!
Zambia Airways Planes yale Moneka bwino.
Prestige Project for the born Retarded! There’s No need for this ego trip, you pathetic retards!
I like this “retards”. How old are you exactly?
FOR CORRECTION PLEASE ZAMBIA AIRWAYS HAD NEVER AQUIRED A BOING 747 AT ANY TIME, ZAMBIA AIRWAYS USED TO HAVE BOIENG 707 WHEN IT STARTED AND WAS REPLACED BY A DC 10 IN THE MID EIGHTIES APART FROM THAT.ZAMBIA AIRWAYS ALSO HAD DC 8 AND 737 INCLUDNG ATR 42 BUT NEVER EVER HAD A BOEING 747 JUMBO.
There was a time Zambia Airways had to go for short lease of wide bodied planes to manage the operations to USA as the Nkwazi was already over subscribed on same route and UK/EU/ASIA this could have been the time. They had 2 flights a week to New York via Monrovia. They also had a Boeing 757 Cargo. QZ was spinning major bucks on Monorovia-New York sector Friday flight with weekend shoppers 1988/89. The war in Liberia spoiled things unfortunately
read what is written below the photo.
One of the most serious problems that led to the collapse of the then Zambia Airways is that the staff of the airline turned it into their own taxi, always flying to and from London and fares next to nothing. That mentality amongst most Zambians ( ni ya Boma, sangwapo) is the very reason why the country has so many struggles.
@3 faza, has put it rightly, the competition in the industry is now tougher than ever before, such that even long established airlines like Alitalia and Iberia are struggling badly.
Good bservation man.
The problem with PF is that they can’t analyse anything at all. They will put up an airline using rented aeroplanes quite ok. But that does not mean success, how are they going to overcome the Zambia airways problems of politicians flying without paying? The fact that the planes will be leased means higher fixed costs and reduced contribution. What appraisal method have they used to assess the viability of the plan? It is not about starting something but how to see it through, how can the likes of Willie Nsanda run an airline? If these ****ers were planners, this Clive Chirwa guy would have been employed in this area being his direct expertise, but they are CNPs. Sad
Ethiopian Airline is one of the best Airline in the world and its 100% owned by Government.Honestly can we fail with the abudance resources God has given us.Seleni tubombeko
Reminds me of those school days when our guardians worked for Zambia Airways. Those days when Capt Maybin Mundwe Godfrey Mulundika was Zambia Airways chief pilot. Then in early 1986 he was appointed by HE KK as Managing Director. I didn’t know the man personally but felt so good for him. I miss those days of the big apple flying direct from Lusaka to New York.
A National Airline is definitely needed in Zambia but I beg to differ on the premise that, it should be soley owned and operated by government. I do not trust Government to run anything – it has failed to run and maintain it’s own institutions.
Let the private companies put up the necessary funding and we should be off to a good start.
I miss Zambia airways though…I used to love flying to London back and fourth every year…gone are the days.
And what guarantee do we have, that by the end of the day passengers won`t be government officials wife`s and children traveling with free passes, ask your self a question to why Zambia airways failed to run, then you will know why even this one will fail.
Eya Mukwayi……
Zambia airways brings memories indeed.I remember how my uncle wanted to marry one of the air hostesses from the airline.The man was very proud of her….her name was often on his lips.It was just too unfortunate that when the airline went under my uncle couldnt take a step further in their relationship.The thought of marrying a house wife scared the crap out of him.Mysrip uncle G.
Some things in life are easier said than done. The best thing is to carry out a feasilbility study and produce a business plan to justify having our own airline. We should also look at the pros and cos of going it alone or partnering with others. The idea appeals to the ears but we need a well thought out justification for doing so.
My guy this is where we go wrong in this country. Nothing like that happens and what the call feasibility studies, is simply to go and copy what SA or the Western world are doing. Never about what the impact is on Zambia. As long as others are going it, it should also do for us. Take the debate on dual citizenship! Just because the ADVANCED economies are doing it, we should also do it! What is the real impact and for what gain to the nation are questions that have never been researched or answered.
#12, Distant Drums is correct. In addition Zambia Airways used to employ staff from certain families only. And now with a tribal party in power the airline will only employ people from a particular region/regions. I used to fly Zambia Airways and I only stopped in 1994 when I sat on a used chewing gum. And when I approached one of the stewards to complain he did not bother. Incidentally those “waitresses” and “waiters” on Zambia Aiways flights were quite big headed.
Incidentally those “waitresses” and “waiters” on Zambia Aiways flights were quite big headed. YOU ARE WRONG- THEY WERE ‘VERY’ BIG HEADED!
using this photograph is like a man who goes to Avis, hires a Mercedes and then poses in it as though it is his. Do you remember the sign ‘My other car is a Porsche?’
Yeh, that is what Zambians are doing here. ha ha ha ha!
In addition a national air line creates employment and boosts businesses associated to it like caterers etc. It also advertises and boosts the country’s image abroad .
Way to go but is it the first priority?was it budgeted?how exactly will it boost tourism?what do we need to work on airline or road networks?which one is cheaper which can seduce public private partnership?Do we really need an airline in Zambia today when other parts of the country are totally impassable?Does this Yaluma have a constituency?think about it zedians
Hmm ! Next please
An economist once said, “You do not learn economics to be rich, you learn it to understand why you are poor…”
John Maynard Keynes (1922)
Time will tell
The kenya airways business structure(public/private) is the only one that might work.Key word is might.Anything 100% owned by GRZ will come to dust.I use the word might because our litany of failed ventures reads like a WW2 casualty book.The failure of zamtel,zambia airways and the terrible filthy disaster that is Lusaka city should have every zambian asking whats wrong with us?We can’t run anything.
A National Airline is well overdue. We have seen with the likes of Aero Zambia, Zambezi Airlines and Zambian Airways that the private sector in Zambia is not well equipped to run an airline. In addition, what use to happen at Zambia Airways of the crew and their families flying for nothing and bumping off confirmed passengers MUST not happen. Its simple the Traffic is there, You have Emirates, SA, BA, KQ and many other airlines making multiple flights daily to ZED. WHY because there is Business. ON the launch of Zambia Airways GOVT should reduce the 3 daily flights by SA to jo burg and open up the london route again and boost the Lsk DXB route. PF lets get serious. I am sure the likes of Branson if approached will be willing to help.
Could you be a bit specific, how would the likes of Richard Branson help, with logistics or financial?
Its not because the is no business in Zambia is a case of can GRZ run a business? Show me one the have managed to run… airlines are about profits the moment you stop making profits you either dead or you start using money meant to buy medicine for UTH for airline fuel. The end game is tail or head you are dead
And GOVT no more not paying as you did with the Old Zambia Airways. That airline only needed 7 Million for a bail out yet MMD decided to liquidate it as Chiluba wanted to only Travel British Airways. How SAD. Then Again Chiluba’s only mission was to Distroy everything that Kaunda had built for Zambia. Mission Accomplished.
“Mwinchusa, nsilanya”, said Maiko Sata
PF why look for investors in LONDON when we have people who owe Zambia Airways huge sums of money back home in Fred Mmembe and Mutembo Nchito, has this issue just died out like this?? Mr allergic to fighting corruption do something even just shout uncoordinated nonsense like baby talk and people will mistake you for man of action like always.
what does the name sata mean the only word i can suspect is SATAN. How does one acquire COBRA for a nick name am telling you these more to this man’s erratic and spontaneous behavior than what meets the guy. TB Joshua please come to the rescue of Zambia i feel suffocated by these evil men.
To use that plane, and take a nap is committing a mild suicide
I am sorry I wouldn’t use a Zambian flight
Sorry
Thanks
Umusha afwa notwebo pakanwa. Do what you want to do. Pantu tamuleumfwa.
BUILD A MODERN AIRPORT FIRST. THIS WILL BE BETTER THAN AN AIRLINE.
The redevelopment of Lusaka International airport was a brilliant idea, government should reconsider this. Our airports are outdated and barely comply with security standards. Its embarrassing to hear the negative reaction of some first time visitors when they touch down Lusaka as was the case when I was last there.
Hope it will not be a 747 owned by Mmeembe
Mhh,zambians have no business running an airline.Look at the decay in Lusaka under the incompetent city council,the failed ZR,failed zamtel and failed zambia airways and tell me that zambians can run complex undertakings.Even simple road contracts are given to foreign firms because the zambian work ethic is a disaster.Give up hopeless underachieving zambians you have lots of company accross africa.Only kenyans,Ethiopians and north africans have an inkling of how to run an airline.
Please brain storm before implimenting this airline stuff….
I can’t understand the comments of these MMD cadres who killed QZ. Kenya is planning to launch a budget airline and I have seen their first air craft being painted. Yet these arm chair critics don’t want Zambia to have its own airline again. PF go ahead and bring back QZ using the same old logo and colours.
@40. Matolokoshi. Kenya Airways is a Private Airline. The Kenyan government only holds 29.8% of shares in Kenyan Airways. Herein lies the difference between Kenya and Zambia. Your PF wants to use Taxpayers money on an egoistical trip. Please let Private individuals start an Airline. The government has no business in running business. Zambia today has one of the lowest life expectancy in the Africa. Worse than all the countries in COMESA ! We misuse money instead of government using it to improve the social situation of citizens through increased investments in infrastructure, health, education, sanitation etc.
Zambians simply cannot run business both public or private.
Too much said but the bottom line is we need a national Airline. It can be started by Govt and then invite private investment of may be 60 to 70 %. Please look at the fares for flying locally between towns in Zambia and compare with flying to JHB etc. You will be amazed to learn that it is very expensive to fly within Zambia by a local airline due to monoply. We need an National airline to bring competition. Besides Zambia is in the Centre of Africa hence neighbours can start connecting in Lusaka. We can start Flights to LONDON, USA, JHB, DAR, NAIROBI, DUBAI, CHINA, INDIA and JAPAN. Locally we can start cheap flights between various towns. We have qualified Zambians in the Airline Industry working outside Zambia that may be willing to come back and work in Zambia. Viva PF.
Which airport will they be using? Lets hope it is not the nkantemba airport called KKIA.
Where one buys a BMW with stolen money and the next day begs for ‘Fuel money’, how can one run an airline. Expert and long established airlines are making losses every year and are supported by their respective government. Better put that money in health care and food subsidies.
Let us first learn to drive our mini buses safely on the roads. If an airline flies in the sky, not in the dreams. Dont make us laugh please. Not every one can do everything. lets wait for another 500 years before we think of an airline.
I have a few suggestions: we
start with budget local flights first and then start expanding with international Flights. We can purchase planes instead of leasing. The company must be named Zambia Airways Plc and be listed on the Lusaka stock exchange for Zambians to buy shares. We must also support the airline by flying Zambia Airways instead of others. We can employ expat CEO and various directors for a start and then Zambianise later on. We can do it. If other countries have done it why can’t we did it not do it.
.In the SADC region,zambia is the only country without an airline.Looking foward and i hope the airline will not have PF officials as shareholders.
We need our own Air line and that is the way to go
These PF morons are spending too much time with chi kk. govt is not competent to run bsiness and history is there to vindicate us! zambia airways, zambia railways; all vanity projects that will miserably fail
Arm chair critics ….malabish, to you whatever GRZ PF plans is wrong but when it is done you say credit should go to MMD. you dull bitter and frustrated people. PF dont listen to them but do a thorough project appraisal before you implement this noble project.
Peace and Prosperity to Mother Zambia.
I have flown on Zambia Airways in the 80s and 90s to London, Heathrow, UK, Italy, New York, JFK, USA. There is some pride to be in your own airline. We hope this will come true. Not a bad investment.
This is a good idea but it needs to be driven by proffessionals and not politicians. Politicians will just fill the whole organisation with cadres and things will go downhill from day one
Zambians simply cannot run any business whether public or private.Thats the sad truth.Ask why Zed has never produced continental successes the likes of Econet of Zim,Ecobank of Togo,Shoprite,SAA or MTN of South Africa,kenol,KQ or Nakumatt of kenya or Ethiopian airline? Even the retail sector of zambia and much of the economy is in the hands of foreign firms.Do that homework of why we never seem to have the business acumen to run big & complex business operations other than simple kantembas.If you get an answer then maybe you can then find the right formular to successfully run an airline.
I first flew on Zambia Airways (I think the proper name must be Zambian Airways) in 1993. We flew on DC 10 from Lusaka to Heathrow, London. When we returned two months later (had gone to USA) the flight which was manned by the Zambian crew touched down at the then Lusaka Internatinal Airport so smoothly that none of those on board could tell for sure if the tyres indeed had touched down! I have never witnessed that again! All the passengers gave a resounding clap which erupted spontaneously to the crew in appreciation and recognition of the pilots’ craftmanship! Zambia Airways, I miss you!
Thank you very much for that comment. I was the first Zambian Instructor on DC-10 in 1986 followed by Captain Sakala. Zambians manned the DC-10 from 1986 till liquidation in 1994 December.
#42, 44 and 52 you are the people Zambia needs. Yes, we can do it. #41 Kenya airways started as a govt airline. It was worse than QZ when kafupi liquidated QZ. We gave Zambia Railways to the private sector but what did they do? They destroyed it and now we have a Zambian to resurrect it. We can still have the private sector but let GRZ relaunch it. We also need Zambians to buy shares in it as suggested by #44.
How about starting with an international airport? What we have there is far much below par than some bus stations here!
i am so looking forward to see zambia with it own airline.
To start and run an airline is one thing. To close it is quite another. Who on earth decides close shop in December, the busiest time of year. All passengers stuck with little or no alternative, when all other airlines are fully booked as well.
To get something achieved in Zambia was always quite a nightmare. Huge amounts of staff, except the one we needed. Secretaries never knew where their bosses were, or if and when they would be back that day to solve problems caused by themselves.
Unlike at ‘home’, we never had issues with the European offices in Rome, Amsterdam and London. Small, very efficient, with a few loyal, multitasking and multilingual staff, each dealing with a large number of countries.
With a similar set-up everywhere else, closing the airline could have been avoided.