Proflight 20th Anniversary
When Chief Pilot, Captain Preller Kopolo, reflects on Proflight Zambia’s 20 years of operations, he speaks not just of two decades in the skies but of a legacy rooted in aviation excellence and connecting Zambia’s cities, towns, and industries to support national growth ambitions. From its first turboprop aircraft to the sleek hum of today’s jetliners, Proflight Zambia has steadily delivered safe, reliable, and affordable connectivity across the nation and region.
Commemorating its 20th anniversary of scheduled services, the airline continues to demonstrate vision, resilience, and sustainable management in building homegrown enterprises that spur economic growth, create employment, empower communities, and transform aspirations into tangible progress.
Humble Beginnings
“It all began in June 2005 with Captain Tony Irwin’s vision to transition to scheduled services. He acquired a British Aerospace Jetstream 32 and sought out seasoned pilots. I was honoured when he called me back to Zambia to help bring that vision to life,” recalls Capt. Kopolo.
Previously, Proflight Zambia operated primarily a charter service catering to bespoke travellers, cargo operators, and tourism excursions. But as Zambia’s economy grew — driven by developments in mining, business, agriculture, and tourism — so did demand for dependable, cost-effective domestic air links. Recognising this gap, Irwin assembled a small, determined team of three pilots, two cabin crew, and a single 18-seat Jetstream 32. The inaugural routes connected Lusaka with Ndola, Livingstone, Mfuwe, and Solwezi, and later expanded to Chipata.
Taking Flight
Born in 1960, Capt. Preller Kopolo’s aviation journey began on his 19th birthday aboard a Zambia Airways Boeing 707 bound for the UK: “That flight on 26 October 1979 changed everything.” By April 1981, he attained his commercial pilot’s licence and instrument rating at the British Airways’ Hamble College of Air Training.
After flying internationally for nearly 25 years, he returned to Zambia to join Proflight Zambia. “Working with Tony again felt like coming home. We trained on the Jetstream 32 at Woodford near Manchester; it was intense. When I returned and signed the contracts, Proflight Zambia’s and my journey with them truly began,” he said.
Two Decades of Growth and Resilience
Looking back, Capt. Kopolo cites the growth of its fleet, the development of local aviation talent, and the establishment of a proudly Zambian brand among the airline’s greatest achievements.
From a single Jetstream 32, Proflight Zambia now operates five 50-seater CRJ-200 passenger jets, one CRJ-100 parcel freighter, and five 29-seater Jetstream 41 turboprops. Passenger numbers in Zambia increased from 1.2 million in 2008 to a record high of over 2 million in 2023, the highest figure recorded by Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) since its establishment in 1989. Since the launch of scheduled services, Proflight Zambia has transported more than two million passengers. In 2024 alone, the airline carried over 270,000 passengers across 10,000 flights, offering more than 350,000 seats. The introduction of strategic regional routes, such as Lusaka–Livingstone–Cape Town and Lusaka–Johannesburg, played a pivotal role in boosting passenger volumes.
By June 2025, the airline had cultivated a workforce of 302 Zambian aviation professionals—individuals who have earned their place among the region’s best by driving innovation, safety, and service quality.
The journey has not lacked challenges; high operational costs, volatile fuel prices, and stiff competition have tested its endurance and adaptability. Infrastructure constraints at smaller domestic airports and shifting regulations also require agility and foresight.
Safety and Service Excellence
“Safety is non-negotiable,” Capt. Kopolo asserted. Under the oversight of the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority and in alignment with IATA (International Air Transport Association) and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) systems, Proflight Zambia continually improves its safety protocols. Senior management recently completed an intensive safety management course, reinforcing a culture where every employee, from pilots to porters, plays a vital role.
Customer-centricity is also key. On the Ndola route, for instance, 05:30 departures and flexible return times cater to professionals needing same-day returns. “It’s that kind of attention to detail that builds customer trust,” stated Capt. Kopolo.
From Turboprops to Jets
Starting with turboprops, the airline gradually introduced the Jetstream 41, enabling routes to Harare and Lilongwe. The 2014 arrival of Bombardier CRJ jets marked the airline’s “Jet Age”, opening up services to Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town.
Today’s fleet includes ten passenger aircraft, maintained by a dedicated 24-hour engineering team supported by a 24-hour Operations Control Centre.
ProCharter, the airline’s sister company, continues to complement the operation by offering bespoke charter services for VIPs and groups, as well as high-demand cargo flights throughout Zambia and the region.
Abiding Values
Proflight Zambia’s founding values of safe, reliable, efficient, and friendly service remain intact. Today, the airline employs over 300 people and has a 90% on-time performance target.
“Captain Irwin never compromised on investing in people,” Kopolo highlighted. One of the CEO’s most commonly used expressions in management meetings is ‘Airlines are more about people than aircraft’, and an established, loyal team is key to achieving these values; ‘You can’t buy experience in a supermarket’, Tony regularly says. We are proud of the experienced team of aviation professionals at Proflight Zambia. Skills development is also a cornerstone that resonates deeply, an inheritance from Zambia’s first president, Dr Kenneth Kaunda.
“My parents didn’t spend a penny on my pilot training. Through government scholarships, young Zambians once flew to England with full support. Proflight Zambia honours that legacy by nurturing local talent, pilots, engineers, and ground staff alike,” Kopolo continued.
Pioneering Inclusivity and Training
In an industry where only 5.2% of licensed pilots and 2.8% of maintenance engineers in Africa are women, Proflight Zambia is rewriting the rules. Of its 302 staff, 38% are women, including three pilots and twelve engineers. Additionally, 96% of the workforce are Zambian nationals.
Over 16% of the airline’s workforce have been with the company for over 10 years, and there are even seven employees who have worked at Proflight Zambia for over 20 years. The airline prides itself on an established team who have grown within the organisation, gaining invaluable industry experience and significant institutional knowledge. This process of developing individuals and promoting from within while offering extensive industry training enhances individual personal development and provides a strong team to deliver the Proflight Zambia product in line with the airline’s values.
“Continual training is essential in keeping with technology and best practices,” Kopolo explains. “Aviation has evolved rapidly in the past five decades alone.”
Proflight Zambia’s partnerships with the CAA, ZACL, Ministry of Transport and Logistics, and Ministry of Tourism reflect its commitment to shaping Zambia’s aviation future. The airline’s maintenance facility now operates 24 hours, supporting safety, efficiency, and employment expansion.
Cultural Pride and Corporate Identity
The airline proudly embraces its Zambian heritage. Initiatives like “Chitenge Fridays” encourage employees and stakeholders to wear traditional fabrics, blending cultural identity with corporate ethos: “We are not just an airline; we are a bridge connecting people, traditions, and opportunities.”
In addition, the airline is honoured to be approved to carry the ‘Proudly Zambian’ logo; a testament to the company’s policies to support local business by choosing Zambian suppliers, serving Zambian products on board such as Kasama coffee and Kawambwa Tea, and embracing responsible practices both for the environment and also the economic development of the country.
Connecting Communities, Driving Economies
By linking Lusaka to the mining towns of Ndola, Solwezi, and Kalumbila, Proflight Zambia is facilitating industry growth. Tourism benefits from seamless connections to Livingstone, Mfuwe, and the Lower Zambezi, making Zambia more accessible to global travellers. “Visitors from Toronto can land in Lusaka and connect directly to Mfuwe,” says Kopolo. “That is a game changer for tourism and connectivity.”
Cargo services are expanding too. A dedicated CRJ freighter will soon expedite perishable exports, creating new opportunities for farmers, businesses, and artisans in remote areas.
At 5 am every morning, a minimum of eight Proflight Zambia aircraft are lined up at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Zambia’s aviation hub, ready to take Zambian business travellers and leisure travellers, as well as visiting international tourists, to where they need to be.
Strategic Growth Partnerships
Strategic partnerships with global carriers such as Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and CemAir have enhanced Proflight Zambia’s reach and enabled seamless transfers for international travellers, bolstering Zambia’s share of regional tourism and positioning Lusaka as a potential southern African hub. The airline has a strategy to interline with all online carriers operating into Zambia, with 11 interlines currently in place and another two in process.
Vision for the Next Decade
“Geographically, Zambia sits at the heart of Southern Africa. With a collective will, government, airlines, and investors working together, we could establish a premier regional hub,” said Capt. Kopolo.
Proflight Zambia’s future plans include acquiring more fuel-efficient regional jets, expanding cargo operations, enhancing digital integration, increasing our regional network, and aiming to serve all 10 of Zambia’s provincial capitals with scheduled services. Ongoing collaboration with government and industry stakeholders is helping to shape a modern, inclusive aviation ecosystem.
A Personal Legacy, A National Triumph
For Capt. Kopolo, Proflight Zambia’s anniversary is more than a corporate milestone; it’s deeply personal. “After years as a co-pilot, Tony Irwin entrusted me with the captaincy. To see this airline flourish, knowing I played a role, is my greatest reward,” he stated.
Now approaching the twilight of a distinguished 46-year aviation career, his focus is on mentoring the next generation of Zambian aviators.
Proflight Zambia’s 20th anniversary is a celebration of the airline’s achievements, but also an affirmation of Zambia’s aviation potential to soar to greater heights of growth, innovation, and transformation.
