PROFLIGHT ZAMBIA’S STATE-OF-THE-ART JET GETS AVIATION AUTHORITY SIGN-OFF
The airline’s latest inclusion to its impressive fleet makes maiden commercial flight in Zambia’s skies with key listing on the local aviation register.
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Proflight Zambia’s high-tech 50-seater Bombardier CRJ-200 jet made its first commercial flight as a Zambian-registered aircraft this April, having been approved by the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA).
The new CRJ-200 jet – registration number 9J-PFZ – arrived in the Zambian skies in January 2022 and made its inaugural commercial flight in early April after its crew completed the type training in maintenance and operations in line with local safety regulations.
Flight P00704 from Lusaka to Livingstone was received by a traditional water cannon salute on arrival at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport. It then went on to operate P00306 to Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International in Ndola after returning from Livingstone. The crew on the maiden voyage were Captain Josias Walubita, First Officer Michael Mukela, Senior Cabin Crew Linda Madden and Engineer Lameck Chimoka Zulu.
The new 50-seater jet serves a dual purpose of expanding Proflight Zambia’s burgeoning fleet while also complementing the airline’s existing CRJ-100 jet and three Jetstream aircraft in bringing modern air travel to Zambia.
The new aircraft along with the CRJ-100 will enable Proflight to increase the frequency of its popular service between Lusaka and Johannesburg with double daily flights four times weekly from April and once daily three times a week. It will also facilitate the expansion of its footprint on other regional routes as part of its goal of bringing Zambian aviation to the rest of Africa.
Proflight Zambia Director Flight Operations Captain Josias Walubita said the registration of the new CRJ-200 aircraft highlights the airline’s commitment to invest in and deliver world-class air services in the local and regional air transport sector.
“We are excited to finally list our CRJ-200 aircraft on the Zambian register with the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority. The aviation authority has been very welcoming and helpful in certifying the aircraft into the Zambian skies,” said Capt. Walubita.
The airline has positioned itself as a truly Zambian company by having its operations and most of its aircraft maintenance done by locally trained professionals, thus directly impacting and growing the local aviation sector.
“Proflight’s acquisition of the CRJ-200 aircraft brings development and prosperity in Zambia’s aviation sector. We continue to show our commitment to growing our investment in the country by offering and delivering the most reliable, efficient, safe, and friendly air service in Zambia. We have been bringing world-class standards to the local aviation industry for the past 31 years,” Capt. Walubita stated.
“We will also deploy the 50 seat Jet aircraft on domestic routes; Ndola, Livingstone, Mfuwe and Solwezi where demand requires,” added Capt. Walubita.
The longest surviving Zambian airline has continued to grow its investment through the expansion of its fleet, benefitting local business and leisure travellers with fast, spacious capacity aircraft on its domestic and regional destinations. The airline has slated the CRJ-200 to be used to relaunch the Ndola-Johannesburg direct service on 25 April.
