Proflight Zambia has acquired its fifth Bombardier CRJ-200 passenger jet, bringing the airline’s total fleet to 12 aircraft and advancing the carrier’s regional expansion plans.
The new aircraft, following the introduction of a 30-passenger British Aerospace Jetstream 4100 in July, carries up to 50 passengers.
“We are thrilled to welcome the CRJ-200 to our growing fleet. This significant milestone underscores our dedication to providing exceptional service to our customers,” said Proflight’s Maintenance Manager Eric Simukonde who was the flight engineer on the delivery of the new aircraft from Canada to Zambia.
The addition will enable Proflight to expand its regional network by introducing more routes and ensuring greater reliability in operations.
“The CRJ-200 is an excellent aircraft for regional operations, particularly in terms of fuel efficiency and passenger capacity. It is preferred for its comfort, reliability and suitability for regional connectivity,” said Simukonde.
Acquisition of the new CRJ-200 was facilitated by Avmax, a global leader in aircraft leasing and aviation services. This partnership highlights Proflight’s strategic approach to fleet expansion, leveraging relationships with international suppliers to meet local and regional demand.
“We congratulate Proflight Zambia on taking delivery of another CRJ-200 from Avmax. It is a reflection of increased demand in the southern Africa region and testament that the CRJ-200 is the ideal aircraft for continued growth,” said Scott Greig, Avmax’s SVP and Head of Avmax Aircraft Leasing Inc.
Established as a scheduled airline in 2005, Proflight Zambia domestically connects Lusaka to Livingstone, Mfuwe, Ndola, Solwezi, Kalumbila, Mansa, Kasama, Kafue National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park – and regionally to Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Kenya is rolling out a digital nomad work permit program to attract remote workers from around the world and boost tourism revenues. Last year it brought in 352 billion Kenyan shillings ($2.7 billion) and more than 2 million tourists.
President William Ruto said the permit would attract a new set of tourists to wildlife safaris and beaches while fostering a “vibrant ecosystem that supports innovation and entrepreneurship.”
Kenya is the only African country consistently ranked among the top 20 countries worldwide for expatriate workers, according to data from expat community platform Inter Nations.
The digital nomad work permit may yet attract even more expatriates to the country. But some activists in the capital, Nairobi, fear an influx of digital nomads could drive up prices of housing and various services. The launch of a digital nomad working visa in South Africa earlier this year prompted social housing activists to raise concerns over the expected impact on rents.
Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has earmarked the rehabilitation of Kajulu Forest – which hosted the launch of the country’s “One Tourist, One Tree” campaign in September – as an important project to bolster ecotourism.
The Kajulu eco-tourism initiative will be implemented in collaboration with the County Government of Kisumu and the local community.
Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei said the tree-planting campaign offers an opportunity for tourism stakeholders to position Kenya as a prime eco-tourism destination.
“We are providing tourism stakeholders with an opportunity to position Kenya as a leading destination for eco-conscious travellers. This partnership will not only improve Kenya’s forest cover but also reinforce the industry’s commitment to pursue sustainable practices that benefit local communities and ecosystems.”
Kajulu – which has been heavily degraded by human activities – will be a key focal point of the Kenyan government’s aim to plant 15 billion trees across the country by 2032. Reforestation of the area could allow for the establishment of tourism activities such as ziplining, hiking and bird-watching.
The Kajulu Community Forest Association plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable management and conservation of forests, empowering local communities to protect their own natural resources.
As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, KTB will allocate a portion of its marketing budget to promoting eco-friendly facilities including eco-lodges. In collaboration with Eco-Tourism Kenya, KTB will co-host the Sustainable Travel Awards contest as part of the annual Eco Warrior Awards, recognising and rewarding excellence in sustainable tourism practices across the country.
ATTA has announced the appointment of its first African female CEO, Kgomotso Ramothea, with a vision to further expand the continent’s largest tourism network.
Ramothea’s appointment comes as James Haigh steps in as ATTA’s new Chair from October 2024, taking over from outgoing Chair Nick Aslin.
Ramothea brings over 20 years’ experience in marketing and communications across various industries. Her most recent role was Acting Hub Head for South African Tourism in the UK, where she directed the tourism board’s UK and Irish marketing strategy.
“I am honoured to take on this pivotal role at ATTA and committed to driving inclusive growth in tourism to Africa. The team will focus on reinforcing the existing trust the organisation enjoys among stakeholders and ensure ATTA remains relevant and indispensable to members’ businesses through events and other tangible benefits,” she said.
Ramothea will work alongside Chris Mears, CEO of ATTA Events.
Haigh will contribute 25 years’ experience in tourism across several African countries including, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa as well as consultancy work in Gabon and São Tomé and Príncipe.
The dual appointment of Ramothea and Haigh complements ATTA’s senior and executive leadership and strengthens the organisation’s role as the leading authority and trusted voice on African tourism, said Nigel Vere Nicoll, President and Group MD of ATTA.
“We are pleased to have both leading the direction of ATTA and we know that their extensive experience across Africa’s travel and tourism industry will directly benefit members.”
The South African Department of Home Affairs has unveiled plans for a new visa system aimed at boosting tourism from China and India. Set to launch in January 2025, the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) will streamline visa processes for approved tour operators from these countries.
Currently, Chinese and Indian visitors account for only 1.8% and 3.9% of international arrivals respectively, despite China’s 100 million outbound trips in 2023. The new scheme aims to address this disparity by fast-tracking visas for tourists travelling with vetted operators.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber stated, “This is only the start of Home Affairs’ embrace of our role as an economic enabler.” The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and the Presidency, is expected to significantly boost South Africa’s tourism sector.
The TTOS is part of a broader vision to transform visa processing, with the ultimate goal of implementing a fully automated, secure digital system. Regulations and application details for tour operators will be published soon, ahead of the 2025 rollout.
Kenya has implemented new policies aimed at boosting its tourism sector, including initiatives for foreign travellers.Speaking at the 2024 Magical Kenya Travel Expo on Wednesday, President William Ruto announced several measures to attract more visitors.
Among them is the introduction of the Transit and Long Connection Travellers’ Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), which allows stopover passengers to leave the airport and explore Nairobi and other towns.“Transit visitors can now step out of the airport and experience the beauty of Kenya.
Travelers at JKIA with time between connections will be able to explore Magical Kenya instead of waiting at the terminal,” said Ruto.The government has also introduced a Digital Nomad work permit, which allows foreign digital professionals to live and work in Kenya.
“This initiative is designed to attract remote workers who seek a balance between a high-quality lifestyle and professional opportunities,” he added.
The President noted that these policies aim to increase the number of tourists and position Kenya as a leading tourist destination in Africa.Kenya recorded over two million visitors in 2023 and now targets 5 million by 2027.
The inaugural UN Tourism Africa & Americas Summit, set for 3-5 October 2024 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, marks a significant step in international tourism collaboration. Organised by UN Tourism and the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism, this landmark event will unite key stakeholders from both continents to explore shared challenges and opportunities in the tourism sector.
The summit aims to deepen connections between Africa and the Americas, regions rich in cultural heritage and biodiversity. High-level discussions will focus on sustainability, innovation, investment, and cultural exchange, with tourism leaders and ministers from both continents in attendance.
Sustainability features prominently on the agenda, addressing issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and cultural heritage protection. The event will also cover post-pandemic recovery, green tourism investments, and digital transformation through panels, workshops, and networking sessions.
By hosting this summit, the Dominican Republic showcases its commitment to promoting tourism cooperation. The event represents a crucial step in leveraging tourism for economic development and cultural diplomacy, positioning Africa and the Americas as leading global destinations for authentic, sustainable travel experiences.
ZIMBABWE, BULAWAYO | Fastjet, Zimbabwe’s award-winning airline, has recently announced additional flight frequency on the Bulawayo-Johannesburg route.
The new additional scheduled service will operate on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Fastjet will operate the flights using the airline’s 50-seater Embraer ERJ145 aircraft, known for offering customers comfortable seating and legroom. The new flight timings effective Friday the 1st of November 2024 will provide customers with seamless connections from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.
Fastjet Zimbabwe Spokesperson Nunurai Ndawana commented, “Bulawayo as the industrial and cultural hub of Zimbabwe remains our priority destination. In July of this year, we doubled our weekend offering between Bulawayo and Harare to two daily flights on Saturday and Sunday. Similarly, increasing flight options to Johannesburg will provide the market with flexible air connectivity options from Bulawayo to Johannesburg and Harare and support the economic development in the region.
“Our commitment to the city of Bulawayo is demonstrated by the additional services we continue to offer. As we enter the peak festive season, this midday service allows customers to travel between Bulawayo and Johannesburg and seamlessly connect to international flights. Adding to that, this service is designed to better serve and address the travel needs of the Bulawayo community” said Vivian Ruwuya, the Chief Commercial Officer of Fastjet Zimbabwe.
“Bulawayo continues to play a significant role in the economic and tourism landscape of Southern Africa. As fastjet we are delighted to contribute to the growth of the City of Kings and Queens through the provision of scheduled flights to Johannesburg from Bulawayo”, concluded Vivian Ruwuya, Chief Commercial Officer of Fastjet Zimbabwe.
JNB-BUQ Flight FN8668
BUQ-JNB Flight FN8667
Fri, Sat, Sun 11:10 – 12:30
Fri, Sat, Sun 13:00 – 14:20
Flight schedule
Fastjet offers flexible booking change options and generous free baggage allowances across its network of flights. The lowest fares can be found on their website www.fastjet.com.
Fastjet is a multi-award-winning African airline that began flight operations in 2012. Today, fastjet connects three major cities in Zimbabwe by flying between Harare & Victoria Falls, as well as between Harare & Bulawayo. In addition, the airline offers international flights from Harare, Bulawayo & Victoria Falls to Johannesburg in South Africa and from Victoria Falls to Mbombela (Kruger) Nelspruit Mpumalanga in South Africa. Its awards include World Travel Awards in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 2020, 2021 and 2022, Skytrax World Airline Awards in 2017 and 2019, and in the top ten finalists for 2021, 2022 and 2023. Since commencing operations, fastjet has flown over 4 million passengers and has established itself as a reliable African airline brand, with a range of value-added products and services. As part of the airline’s commitment to offering choice, flexibility and value, customers benefit from generous free baggage allowances, flexible change options, multiple payment channels, airport lounge access on select routes, and ancillary services such as car hire.
Fastjet is a multi-award-winning African airline that began flight operations in 2012. Today, fastjet connects three major cities in Zimbabwe by flying between Harare & Victoria Falls, as well as between Harare & Bulawayo. In addition, the airline offers international flights from Harare, Bulawayo & Victoria Falls to Johannesburg in South Africa and from Victoria Falls to Mbombela (Kruger) Nelspruit Mpumalanga in South Africa. Its awards include World Travel Awards in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 2020, 2021 and 2022, Skytrax World Airline Awards in 2017 and 2019, and in the top ten finalists for 2021, 2022 and 2023. Since commencing operations, fastjet has flown over 4 million passengers and has established itself as a reliable African airline brand, with a range of value-added products and services. As part of the airline’s commitment to offering choice, flexibility and value, customers benefit from generous free baggage allowances, flexible change options, multiple payment channels, airport lounge access on select routes, and ancillary services such as car hire.
Aviation experts discussed the challenge of funding airlines in Africa and questioned the sustainability of African airlines’ growth at the Aviation Africa event held recently in Johannesburg.
Raphael Haddad, President of Jetcraft Commercial, said the industry must congratulate African airlines for making a collective nett profit in 2024 for the second year in a row. IATA has described the profit as “razor-thin and well below the global benchmark”.
Data from IATA showed that African airlines were making an average of US$0.90c per passenger. This is an improvement on results two years ago, when African airlines were losing US$1 for each passenger. But it’s still behind the global profit average of US$6.14.
“We have seen a really big improvement in terms of airline performance because the demand is there. I think a lot of airlines in Africa want to service this market, so we are seeing a lot of growth,” said Thato Matsha, Senior Aviation Finance Consultant at Investec Bank.
The improvement in profit was credited to the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative by Aaron Munetsi, CEO of Airlines Association of Southern Africa, “Not everyone understands what SAATM is meant to do. It is not a tick-box exercise, it is a work in progress. Going from losing a dollar to making a dollar: that is progress, that shows that SAATM is working,” he said.
Panellists discussed why financing and profitability continued to be challenging for airlines across the continent. Hussein Dabbas, GM of Institutional Relations in Africa and the Middle East for Embraer, said airlines did not have the equipment to grow substantially.
“There are over 300 airlines flying in Africa. Of these 300 airlines, only six have more than 50 aircraft. Only 20 have 10-49 aircraft and the remaining airlines have fewer than 10 aircraft. Having fewer than 10 aircraft is problematic. You need numbers, you need to have connectivity, and you need to be able to fly regularly. This is not sustainable,” he said.
Manny Kanabe, Founder of Aviation Partners Africa disagreed and said it was problematic that African airlines tended to buy aircraft instead of leasing them. “In Africa we still have a lot of airlines, mainly the private ones, buying aircraft, which is not efficient.”
Kanabe sees dry leasing as the solution to this, but the challenge lies in convincing lessors to provide aircraft to African countries that are seen as risky. Dabbas said, unfortunately, there were only about 20 airlines in Africa that lessors were willing to deal with.
“I think using one brush to paint every airline in one country as very financially risky is not a fair approach. I think we need to look further and look at the specifics of the airline: how long they have been running, their management, their business plan and say: “Yes. This airline, even though it’s in this country, is run professionally,” said Kanabe.
Another problem lies in the fact that aircraft are not as readily available as they used to be. “The supply chain took a big hit in the pandemic that affected all manufacturers,” said Haddad. “There are fewer than 100 narrowbody aircraft available in the world right now. This means that airlines are holding on to older aircraft for longer, slowing down the sale of second-hand aircraft.”
Kanabe observed that without a sufficient number of aircraft, with little confidence from lessors and operating on such a thin profit margin, African airlines would not survive another hit such as COVID, an earthquake, an Ebola outbreak or another event that restricted their growth.
Starting this week, riders in Cape Town, South Africa will be able to book Uber Safari – the latest limited edition experience in our ‘Go Anywhere’ series of travel products. Safari will offer riders effortless access to one of Africa’s most iconic experiences, all at the tap of a button.
Available in the Uber app from through the end of January, Uber Safari is the perfect day trip for people in Cape Town looking to see the big five – lions, elephants, buffalos, cheetahs, and rhinos. In partnership with Aquila Private Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s most popular wildlife conservancies, riders will have the chance to book a seamless safari.
“We’re excited to partner with Uber to extend our bucket list wildlife experiences to their customers,” said Johan van Schalkwyk, Commercial Officer of Aquila Collection. “Uber Safari allows folks to book and enjoy an unforgettable day at Aquila, where they’ll get to experience the Big 5 in an easy and luxurious way. It’s the perfect combination of modern convenience and natural beauty, all while supporting wildlife conservation efforts that are vital to preserving South Africa’s biodiversity.”
The day trip includes a pickup in Cape Town in an Uber Safari-branded vehicle, so riders can sit back and relax as they head out of the bustle of the city. Upon arrival at Aquila, guests will enjoy a welcome toast and lunch before boarding a traditional safari vehicle with experienced game rangers and field guides. During the game drive, guides will ensure guests have the best opportunity to see the big five. And after the adventure, riders will have access to Aquila’s picturesque grounds before heading back to Cape Town.
Aquila Private Game Reserve has a longstanding commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism. Every booking through Uber contributes to conservation efforts that help protect endangered species and ensure the preservation of South Africa’s rich biodiversity. Travellers can enjoy Uber Safari knowing they are part of a broader mission to safeguard the country’s wildlife and natural habitats.
Reservations for the season will become available in the Uber app on October 2, and will be bookable 90 days to 24 hours in advance. Uber Safari will run on Fridays and Saturdays until the end of January. The experience will cost a $200 flat fee, and can accommodate up to four guests.
How to book Uber Safari:
Download the Uber app on your smartphone and open the app.
Select the ‘Uber Safari’ icon from the home screen.
Read about Uber Safari and then choose an available date.
Enter your pickup and drop off locations.
Make sure everything looks right and click ‘Reserve Uber Safari.’
If your trip is confirmed, you’ll receive an email letting you know.
Enjoy!
Availability of Uber Safari trips is expected to be limited. Riders looking to book a tour are encouraged to book in advance using our Reserve technology. Uber Safari will be visible to all riders in South Africa.
