CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF CRJ OPERATIONS / 10 YEARS OF CRJ OPERATIONS:
PROFLIGHT MARKS A DECADE OF REGIONAL CRJ FLEET OPERATIONS
Zambia’s leading regional airline, Proflight Zambia, celebrates a decade of success with its Bombardier CRJ Jets. This milestone reflects the carrier’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and expanding its fleet.
Since introducing the Chembe CRJ-100 jet, affectionately known as the ‘Jubilee Jet’ as it commenced operations on the anniversary of Zambia’s 50th Independence, October 2014, Proflight has consistently grown its operations, playing a pivotal role in transforming Zambia’s aviation landscape.
Proflight’s current fleet boasts five CRJ aircraft: four passenger jets and a freighter jet. In September 2024, the airline introduced its latest addition- a CRJ-200 jet registered as 9J-PFE – which joined the Zambian skies recently.
“Ten years ago, we took a bold step by introducing the CRJ jet, and today we are proud of what we have accomplished,” said Proflight Chairman and Director Administration, Chitalu Kabalika. “Our CRJ fleet is a key part of our success, and we are excited to see where the next decade will take us”.
The introduction of the Chembe Jet in 2014 was a bold move that transformed Proflight’s capabilities, enabling it to connect Zambia to major regional hubs with greater efficiency. The first international route was Lusaka/Durban in September 2015, followed by Johannesburg in October 2020 and Cape Town in July 2023. This year, Proflight retired the Chembe CRJ jet after a decade of service. However, the retirement of Chembe signals not an end but a new chapter in the airline’s evolution with the CRJ-200 passenger jets.
Proflight’s fleet of CRJ-200 jets, known for their performance and fuel efficiency, has allowed the airline to maintain a competitive edge in regional aviation. The CRJ-200 is equipped to carry 50 passengers, cruise at a speed of 682 km/h, and fly at altitudes of 41,000 feet, making it ideal for short to medium-haul flights. The CRJ-100 freighter jet will also enable Proflight to expand its cargo services, supporting businesses and logistics locally and regionally. With more than 1900 CRJ-series aircraft produced, the CRJ family of aircraft is the 3rd largest fleet of commercial sets ever produced, and Proflight is proud to be part of this.
“We are excited to see our fourth CRJ-200 passenger jet in the skies, contributing to our goal of providing world-class travel experiences,” said Proflight Director of Flight Operations, Captain Josias Walubita.
Proflight remains committed to leveraging the strengths of its CRJ jet fleet to drive regional growth. The jets have proven to be essential to the airline’s operational efficiency, with their fuel-saving capabilities allowing Proflight to maintain competitive ticket prices while delivering high-quality services. These jets are also equipped with spacious cabins, noise-reduction technology and ample legroom, ensuring a comfortable travel experience for passengers.
“We are proud of what we have achieved with the CRJ jets, and the addition of new aircraft to our fleet keeps us on track to offer world-class services and expand our services”, said Captain Walubita.
As the skies bid farewell to the Chembe CRJ jet, Proflight looks forward to the next decade of progress. From connecting Zambians to regional destinations to providing essential cargo services that fuel economic growth, Proflight’s CRJ jets are a driving force in Zambia’s aviation sector.
Proflight, with its growing CRJ jet fleet, is well-positioned to continue its mission of enhancing connectivity, contributing to Zambia’s economic growth and providing safe, reliable, efficient, friendly and comfortable service for both passengers and cargo.
