Eswatini and Zimbabwe have signed a bilateral aviation agreement aimed at improving regional connectivity, even as Eswatini’s government-owned airline continues to rely heavily on public subsidies to stay afloat. The aviation accord, signed during the African-Indian Ocean Aviation Week conference held at Victoria Falls, was a highlight of the event and is expected to open a new route from King Mswati III International Airport to Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital.

Royal Eswatini National Airways Corporation (RENAC), formerly known as Royal Swazi National Airways, is the only commercial airline operating in Eswatini. It currently flies to just four destinations: Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, and now Harare. These limited routes mark a significant reduction in the ambitious goals announced when the airline was relaunched in 2022, replacing the collapsed Swazi Airlink. At the time, RENAC promised financial self-sustainability by the end of its third year, 2025—a goal that now seems far from reach.

This week, Eswatini’s Minister of Public Works and Transportation, Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, was called to appear before parliament to answer questions about the airline’s ongoing financial struggles. MP Mduduzi Matsebula challenged the government to ensure that taxpayers’ money is being spent wisely, questioning the long-term value of continued subsidies. According to the 2024 financial report, 83% of the airline’s revenue still comes from government funding, while only 17% is generated from passenger and cargo services.

Ndwandwe cited several reasons for the airline’s weak financial performance. These include operational challenges due to inconsistent regional aviation regulations, strong competition from larger, more established airlines, and economic uncertainties exacerbated by rising fuel prices. He expressed hope that bilateral agreements, like the one signed with Zimbabwe, could help ease some of these regulatory hurdles and boost international traffic.

Despite the ongoing financial drain, there are some signs of growth. Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg reported that cargo volumes transported by the airline increased by 25% between 2023 and 2024, while passenger traffic rose by 34%, from 56,281 to 73,926 passengers. These gains have been attributed to better marketing and increased interest from local businesses in air freight services.

However, the airline’s dependence on public funding is still a major concern. In 2025, subsidies are expected to reach R395 million, up from R335 million in 2024. These figures do not include government spending on the King Mswati III International Airport itself. In total, taxpayers have spent R1.2 billion on RENAC over the past three years, with the airline serving approximately 190,000 passengers during that time—equating to a subsidy of R6,316 per passenger. By contrast, the cheapest one-way ticket from Eswatini to Harare costs just R2,867.

While the newly signed aviation agreement with Zimbabwe may bring some optimism about regional cooperation, it also highlights the stark financial realities facing Eswatini’s aviation sector. Unless the airline becomes more self-reliant, questions will continue to grow about the sustainability of this publicly funded venture.

Zambia will be at the heart of Africa’s aviation industry this month when it hosts the African Flight Procedures Programme (AFPP) in Lusaka. This was announced by Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) concurrently, registering a huge success for Zambia in aviation development and regional integration.

This event, the organization states, will attract Director Generals and high-level aviation technical experts from 28 African countries. The high-level attendees will meet in Lusaka for a concentrated technical meeting to enhance the safety and effectiveness of air travel operations on the continent. Zimba explained that the forum will specifically deal with the development and application of harmonised flight procedures, a critical aspect in ensuring passenger, flight crew, and aircraft safety.

The AFPP is an ICAO pilot project, advocating aviation safety and consistency worldwide. Zimba emphasized the programme’s contribution towards the promotion of African air navigation services through harmonised flight procedures. She also added that it fosters capacity development, technical proficiency, and regional coordination among the participating states. Capacity development and exchange of knowledge at the event will improve the capacity of African states to implement ICAO standards, thereby improving safety as well as operational efficiency.

The hosting of AFPP also showcases the growing strategic importance of Zambia in the regional aviation arena. Zimba described Zambia’s hosting of the program as a milestone that attests to its sincere commitment to advancing aviation development, not only at the national but also at the continental level. The hosting of such an elitist event by the nation also speaks to its strong institutionalisation as well as improved aviation infrastructure.

The conference is scheduled to gather top officials from ICAO, the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), national civil aviation administrations, and airport corporations, alongside major aviation industry players. The gathering is also scheduled to feature representatives of the European market-leading aircraft firm Airbus. Their presence will offer an opportunity for collaboration, investment negotiations, and sharing of world best practices.

Zimba further included that the program would serve as a platform where aviation professionals can exchange experience and technical know-how on the current trends and issues in flight procedure design and implementation. The discussions are anticipated to result in more standardized, safe, and seamless air navigation systems within the African skies.

Participating countries include Angola, Cameroon, Comoros, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Eswatini, France, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, DR Congo, Burkina Faso, and host nation Zambia. Such extensive coverage is a testament to the pan-African and international support of the AFPP and its goals.

As the aviation industry grows in Africa, initiatives like the AFPP are required to ensure that there are safe skies and secure cooperation across the borders. Organizing the AFPP puts Zambia at the helm of making the African airspace more integrated and secure.

Zambia Airways (2014) Limited, the national airline of the Republic of Zambia, has announced the completion of preparations to commence scheduled flight services to Harare, Zimbabwe. This new route will enhance connectivity between the two countries and is set to operate three times a week, starting on June 17, 2025. Flights will be available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, making it convenient for both business and leisure travellers.

Outbound Flight from Lusaka to Harare:

– Flight Number: ZN 303

– Departure: Lusaka at 06:00

– Arrival: Harare at 07:10

Return Flight from Harare to Lusaka:

– Flight Number: ZN 302

– Departure: Harare at 07:55

– Arrival: Lusaka at 09:05

Travellers can now book their flights on this newly established route, as well as access the entire Zambia Airways route network, either via www.zambia-airways.com or by contacting their preferred travel agents.

Commenting on the inauguration of this vital service to Harare, Mr. Thomas Gebreyohannes Woldesenbet, Chief Executive Officer of Zambia Airways, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to add Harare to our expanding regional network. This new route is more than just a means of transport; it represents a bridge that connects two vibrant cities, fostering a sense of unity among our people, cultures, and economies. Enhancing air connectivity between Lusaka and Harare is crucial for promoting regional cooperation and fostering bilateral trade.”

Mr. Woldesenbet further highlighted the strategic significance of this new route, stating: “This service not only opens a multitude of new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs in both Zambia and Zimbabwe but also accommodates the demanding schedules of travelers with its early morning departures. Operating three times a week facilitates the swift movement of goods and services, making it easier for tourists eager to explore the abundant cultural and natural attractions both Zambia and Zimbabwe have to offer. We envision this initiative as a meaningful contribution to the broader aspirations of regional integration and economic growth through the enhancement of trade, commerce, and tourism between our nations.”

Zambia is taking bold steps to enhance its role in regional air connectivity, positioning itself as a central hub within southern Africa’s aviation landscape. At the recent Land-Linked Zambia Summit, aviation stakeholders, including the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA), the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, and Proflight Zambia, gathered to explore ways to strengthen the country’s aviation infrastructure and network. The summit highlighted Zambia’s ambitions to become a key transit point that complements established hubs like OR Tambo International in South Africa, Bole International in Ethiopia, Jomo Kenyatta International in Kenya, and Kigali International Airport in Rwanda.

Zambia’s geographic advantage lies in its central location, bordering eight countries. This unique positioning offers a strategic opportunity to serve as a connector between southern African nations and destinations further north or east. Proflight Zambia, the country’s leading airline, has taken an active role in this vision. Vincent Banda, Proflight’s Director of Ground Operations, Cargo, and Catering, emphasized the airline’s commitment to expanding Zambia’s reach. “Proflight Zambia continues to keenly promote Zambia as a hub with the network we currently have and are still developing,” he said during the summit.

However, the country faces several challenges, particularly around high operational costs. Excessive airport taxes and handling fees were flagged as major obstacles to competitiveness. Banda pointed out that the region’s ticket taxes and handling charges are among the highest, impacting local airlines’ ability to offer competitive pricing. He called for a comprehensive review to ease this burden and attract more carriers to operate in and through Zambia.

Financial data presented at the summit also revealed an over-reliance on aeronautical services, which currently account for 87% of Zambia’s airport revenue. In contrast, international best practices suggest that airports should derive at least 40% of their revenue from non-aeronautical sources, such as retail, parking, and other services. This imbalance not only limits revenue diversification but also drives up airline costs, which are ultimately passed on to passengers.

There are already initiatives in place to enhance the regulatory and infrastructure systems. Zambia recently outperformed the regional average in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Safety Audit, earning a 72.94% successful implementation rating that increased trust in its aviation standards. The nation’s reputation among foreign businessmen and tourists is also anticipated to be significantly improved by an impending security audit.

Proflight currently offers flights connecting Cape Town with Livingstone and Lusaka with Johannesburg, establishing the groundwork for further regional integration. The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) and the Ministry of Transport and Logistics are also now debating aviation fuel prices, which are a major source of expenses for regional carriers. The goal of these reforms is to establish a more competitive and seamless continental aviation market as part of larger objectives that are in line with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

For South African travelers and businesses, Zambia’s growing connectivity offers new travel alternatives and potentially reduced journey times. As Zambia continues its push toward becoming a regional aviation hub, it may play a crucial role in reshaping southern Africa’s air travel network, offering resilience, flexibility, and economic benefits across the region.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported a year-on-year (y-o-y) decrease in air cargo demand by 5.7% for African carriers in February 2025. This is the first decrease since mid-2023, potentially presenting a strain to the regional cargo industry. Coincidentally, cargo capacity also decreased by 0.6% for the same timeframe as 2024.

The global demand for air cargo remained relatively stable, decreasing only by 0.1%. International air cargo operations increased marginally by 0.4%, showing strength in some markets. This drop in African air cargo demand can be mainly credited to the phenomenal performance of February 2024. That month enjoyed peculiar conditions like the leap year, high volumes of Chinese New Year cargo traffic, and disruptions in sea transport due to attacks by Yemeni-based Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. Some cargo had to be diverted to air transport as a result, which helped spur demand temporarily last year.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh addressed the latest figures, emphasizing that trade tensions remain a significant concern for the air cargo industry. Rising tariffs and geopolitical uncertainties have impacted global trade flows, adding pressure to airlines already dealing with fluctuating demand. Walsh urged governments to prioritize diplomatic solutions over trade restrictions to support stability in global markets.

Despite the downturn in air cargo operations, African airlines reported a strong performance in international passenger demand. Passenger traffic for February 2025 increased by 6.7% year-on-year, reflecting a positive trend in travel demand. Capacity also rose by 4.0%, showing that airlines are expanding operations to accommodate growing passenger numbers.

Such contrast in performance between cargo and passenger demand underlines the complexity within Africa’s aviation sector. Where cargo operations have been adversely affected, passenger travel seems to be recovering well. Several factors account for this growth, such as increased connectivity, tourism demand, and improving economic conditions in some regions.

But the industry still faces challenges. African carriers are still faced with economic unpredictability, varying trade policies, and operating costs. The air cargo industry at large is most exposed to outside shocks, like supply chain interruption and regulatory intervention. For the African carriers, the key will be to ensure a balanced approach between cargo and passenger operations to ensure overall profitability.

The industry leaders and policymakers must track and adjust the economic trends according to the new situations. Improvement in logistics, infrastructure investment, and international cooperation are needed to boost efforts on cargo, while the passenger demand appears to remain steady. Removing trade barriers and keeping the market stable may allow African airlines to recover from the recent loss in cargo demand.

The recent data by IATA, on the whole, presents a mixed picture for African airlines. There is concern with the decrease in cargo demand over trade-related issues, but a continued rise in passenger travel does present a bright outlook. Industry adaptation to shifts in the global economy means agility and innovation from airlines if they are to keep up with this changing market.

Proflight Zambia joins women in aviation globally as they prepare for the 36th Annual Women in Aviation Conference scheduled for 27-29 March 2025 in Denver, Colorado. The airline will be represented at this important event by two members of the Proflight Operations Control Centre: Sylvia Chanda and Piyanna Chani.

Part of the mission of Women in Aviation International, the host organisation, is ‘to encourage, empower, and educate all those whose interests, lives and work involve aviation and aerospace’, with one of the key goals being to ‘inspire women and girls to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace’.

This year’s International Women’s Day on 8th March also marked the 119th anniversary of the first women’s pilot’s licence issued in 1910, only 7 years after the first flight and a mere 1 year after the first pilot’s licence was issued to a man. It was almost another 20 years later, in 1927, when the first aircraft engineer’s licence was issued to a woman.

Historically, aviation roles for women were limited to the cabin crew and office professionals. However, Proflight Zambia’s progressive vision is helping to change that narrative, with women taking centre stage in every facet of the airline’s operations, from the cockpit to the engineering department.

On a continent where only 5.21% of licensed pilots and a mere 2.79% of aircraft engineers are female, Proflight is rewriting the rules. Today, women make up 38% of its 280-strong workforce, including three pilots and twelve engineers. This strong commitment to local talent, with 96% of employees being Zambian nationals, reflects the airline’s dedication to inclusivity and excellence.

“Women are represented at every level of our organisation, from upper management to flight crew and engineers,” said Proflight Zambia Director Flight Operations Captain Josias Walubita.

This sentiment is reflected in the airline’s celebrated all-female crew flights, including a recent milestone – a CRJ200 flight to Cape Town – which highlighted both operational excellence and the company’s commitment to gender inclusivity.

The airline’s approach is not merely about numbers. Strategic partnerships with organisations that champion female participation further provide essential educational opportunities, mentorship, and career guidance. These initiatives ensure that the next generation of female aviation professionals is well-equipped to soar.

Capt. Walubita notes: “We are seeing more skilled women come up in aviation engineering and pilot jobs than ever before as they are encouraged to step into technical roles signalling a seismic shift in career trajectories.”

Outside of the technical disciplines, the airline’s Ground Operations and Commercial Departments are predominantly women, and 30% of the organisation’s Executive Directors are Women in Aviation.

As Proflight Zambia continues to expand its horizons, its efforts to create a level playing field for all are clear. With long-term goals aimed at balanced gender representation and a commitment to merit-based recruitment, the airline is not only propelling its growth but also inspiring the entire region.

Proflight Zambia is doubling the frequency of its Livingstone–Lusaka flights from daily to twice daily from 1 April 2025. The capacity expansion is coinciding with the start of the safari season and will provide better connectivity for passengers arriving in Livingstone from Cape Town and transiting via Johannesburg.

The additional flights provide more convenience for travel and reduced transit times for visitors to Zambia’s major tourist attractions. The revised schedule includes an early afternoon flight that departs Livingstone at 12:20 PM and reaches Lusaka at 1:30 PM. The return flight leaves Lusaka at 10:35 AM, reaching Livingstone at 11:45 AM. The early evening flight departs Livingstone at 6:20 PM and reaches Lusaka at 7:30 PM. The return flight leaves Lusaka at 4:35 PM, reaching Livingstone at 5:45 PM. These new flights will provide visitors with better access to Victoria Falls and to adventure activities like white-water rafting, helicopter flights, and game safaris in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

Apart from this increased frequency on the Livingstone–Lusaka route, Proflight Zambia has also published its full safari season schedule to facilitate tourists’ access to the key wildlife centers. The Lusaka–Mfuwe flights operate on Fridays at 6:55 AM (arriving 8:05 AM), Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays at 10:35 AM (arriving 11:45 AM), and Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 4:35 PM (arriving 5:45 PM).

The Livingstone–Mfuwe flights operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays via Lusaka, with return flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Mfuwe is an entrance to the legendary South Luangwa National Park, which is famous for walking safaris and an extensive variety of animals including leopards, elephants, and the resident Thornicroft’s giraffe.

Proflight Zambia’s Lusaka hub also operates flights to several other destinations of interest to tourists and adventure travelers. Mansa is a key gateway to Lake Bangweulu, which is ideal for birdwatching, fishing, and boat cruises. Kasama is close to Chishimba Falls, the Mwela Rock Paintings, and Lake Tanganyika, which provides fishing and snorkelling. By increasing these routes, Proflight Zambia is facilitating travel between Zambia’s natural attractions and regional centers.

Proflight Zambia Director of Flight Operations Josias Walubita highlighted the airline’s commitment to addressing seasonal travel demands. “As a proudly Zambian airline that closely monitors seasonal travel trends, we constantly assess the performance of our routes and respond accordingly to meet passenger demand. Increasing the Livingstone–Lusaka frequency offers our passengers more flexibility and less transit time,” commented Walubita. He noted that the expanded schedule offers more convenient connections for travelers, including those on the newly launched Cape Town–Livingstone service.

“Victoria Falls in all its April fullness and our national parks offering some of the world’s best safari lodges, there’s never been a better time for South African travelers to experience Zambia’s unique mix of natural wonders and adventure,” he added.
The added flights and enhanced safari season schedule highlight Proflight Zambia’s ongoing dedication to making tourism easier and enhancing accessibility to Zambia’s finest attractions. With more foreign visitors being attracted to the country’s natural wonders, increased flights will continue to place Zambia at the forefront as a leading safari and adventure destination in Southern Africa.