Allexer Namundjembo
The anticipated launch of Air Botswana’s new flights to Windhoek and Durban, originally set for October 1, will not happen anytime soon as the airline is reported to yet to apply for operational permits in South Africa and Namibia.
Media in Botswana reported last week that Air Botswana also lacks both the crew and aircraft needed to service these routes, with the newly acquired E175 aircraft still grounded.
According to the Tuesday Grill newspaper, a source explained that the ERJ145 aircraft, planned for Namibia operations, will be registered with Namibian authorities and operated by FlyNamibia.
Furthermore, FlyNamibia’s crew will be responsible for operating the flights, with Air Botswana covering their costs.
Earlier this month, Air Connect Namibia provided an update on the delayed route to Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport, which has impacted the planned Gaborone-Windhoek-Durban connection.
Air Connect Namibia and Air Botswana had previously announced that they would link Gaborone to Windhoek, extending to Durban’s King Shaka International Airport as of October 1, but the launch has been postponed due to the delay.
Dan Kamati, spokesperson for Namibia Airports Company, did not want to explain further, saying that Air Connect has already informed the public of the postponement.
“Announcements of this nature are made with due diligence, and we continue to engage all relevant stakeholders,” Kamati stated.
He added that further updates would be shared at an appropriate time.
