Niël Terblanché
Namibia, a nation not often in the spotlight for many in the United States of America, recently drew the attention of a high-level delegation from the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The delegation, led by Balram Bheodari, the General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, embarked on a visit to Namibia with the aim of advancing air service development efforts, which essentially means exploring opportunities for new passenger or cargo flights. The visiting group also included leaders from the airport’s infrastructure and commercial team.
During their factfinding mission, the delegation engaged with various Namibian entities, including the City of Windhoek, the Namibia Tourism Board, the Namibian Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), Namport (Namibia’s port authority), and the Namibia Airports Company (NAC). They also met with representatives from FlyNamibia and Westair Aviation.
Dan Kamati, the spokesperson of the NAC, stated that the discussions primarily centred on opportunities in passenger and cargo flights as well as the potential of the local tourism industry.
The US delegation was hosted by the Namibia Airports Company and expressed interest in collaboration.
Kamati reiterated the importance of engaging with various stakeholders to strengthen efforts aimed at establishing Namibia as a regional logistics hub.
In addition to visiting the Hosea Kutako International Airport, the delegation also toured the Walvis Bay International Airport and Namibia’s largest port in Walvis Bay.
According to globalatlanta.com, the visit occurred at a time when incentives to attract new foreign carriers, particularly from Asia and Africa, are still in effect.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has been actively reaching out to airlines from these regions, recently securing Ethiopian Airlines for four-times-weekly service.
During discussions in Namibia, Bheodari stressed the importance of building relationships to create a global economic impact.
He expressed confidence that the visit and ongoing collaborations with the community members they met would contribute to expanding the airport’s presence in growing markets.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, known for its efficiency, maintains a strong commitment to training and sharing best practices with international aviation counterparts.
The airport has established sister airport partnerships in Liberia, Cote D’Ivoire, and Nigeria.
Namibia, known for its stunning landscapes, safari opportunities, and small population, is actively attempting to boost tourism as international travel rebounds following the COVID-19 pandemic.
