Proflight Champions Green Aviation Practices:
Supporting Local Businesses and Promoting Eco-Friendly Practices in the Skies
Proflight is soaring to new heights, not just with its expanded route network, operations, and fleet but also with its innovative, locally sourced onboard catering services that prioritise sustainability. The airline’s unique approach to supporting homegrown businesses and promoting green practices is helping to set local aviation excellence benchmarks.
Vincent Banda, Director of Ground Operations, Cargo, and Catering, is enthusiastic about the airline’s commitment to incorporating Zambian products into its operations. He shares that: “Proflight has been very active in the local sourcing and procurement of its services and products, aligning with the Proudly Zambian campaign. We ensure that we identify Zambian companies and products that meet our high standards for passenger satisfaction.”
This dedication to quality and desire to provide customers with a truly Zambian experience means that passengers get to enjoy a taste of the country’s finest produce. Flying Foods, led by the enterprising Misheck Tembo, is one such business that has, since 2021, offered catering services to Proflight. The inflight catering services company is the first—and currently the only—Zambian-owned and operated enterprise of its kind. Tembo proudly highlighted the transformational impact of the partnership, which has boosted the company’s operations and fostered employment. “With Proflight coming on board, we have grown from four workers to 76 Zambian youths,” he explained.
Carlyn Irwin, Manager of Catering, echoes the importance of sustainability in their services. “We’ve introduced rotatable dishes instead of plastic disposables and compostable cutlery on board. We also recycle water bottles through a company in Lusaka,” she notes. These eco-friendly initiatives are part of the airline’s efforts to reduce waste and promote environmental responsibility and sustainability, further aligning with its commitment to reducing single-use plastic waste and empowering local businesses.
The collaboration with Flying Foods is particularly noteworthy, as the business is blossoming and expanding to run a restaurant at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) domestic terminal. Mr Tembo’s vision is one of growth as the company intends to get to 100 workers and eventually open an airline catering school to pass on expertise to more Zambians for a skilled workforce for the future.
The airline’s menu is as dynamic as its routes, constantly evolving to include more local delicacies. By supporting local businesses like Flying Foods and embracing eco-friendly practices, Proflight is enhancing its passengers’ experience and contributing to Zambia’s economic growth and prosperity. The next time you fly with Proflight, be sure to find out more about the local products and snacks you are bound to enjoy on the journey.
The airline’s efforts to promote green aviation practices and support local businesses are setting new standards in the industry. Their commitment enriches the passenger experience and contributes significantly to the local economy and environmental sustainability. Through innovative practices and partnerships, Proflight is demonstrating that airlines can indeed fly greener and higher together.
