LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Proflight Zambia has added a fifth Bombardier CRJ-200 passenger jet to its fleet, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing operations, connectivity, and service excellence for travellers across the Southern African region. This new jet joins the regional airline’s fleet after the introduction of a British Aerospace Jetstream 4100 in July, bringing the airline’s total fleet to 12 aircraft.
Proflight’s Maintenance Manager, Eric Simukonde, who was the flight engineer on the delivery of the new aircraft from Canada to Zambia, expressed enthusiasm about the arrival, saying: “We are thrilled to welcome the CRJ-200 to our growing fleet. This significant milestone underscores our dedication to providing exceptional service to our customers.”
As Zambia’s leading scheduled airline, the addition of its fifth passenger CRJ-200 will enable Proflight to expand its regional network by introducing more routes and ensuring even greater reliability in its operations.
“The CRJ-200 is an excellent aircraft for regional operations, particularly in terms of fuel efficiency and passenger capacity. It is preferred for its comfort, reliability, and suitability for regional connectivity,” added Mr Simukonde.
The delivery route included six fuel stops: departing from Great Falls to Winnipeg, Canada, then to Iqaluit, Canada, followed by Reykjavik, Iceland. After an overnight stop in Prague, Czech Republic, the journey continued with fuel stops in Luxor, Egypt, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, before the final leg to Lusaka. The entire ferry operation took approximately 24 hours of flight time.
Commitment to Safety and Regional Growth
High operating costs and stringent safety standards in the region are challenges for airlines, but Mr Simukonde emphasises that the airline is committed to growing Zambia’s aviation industry, supporting business and tourism, and offering work opportunities. Safety is a priority they support, he says.
“We strictly adhere to ICAO and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) standards, ensuring that every aspect of our maintenance and operations meets the required safety regulations. It is crucial for an airline like Proflight to comply with these regulations to maintain the safety and integrity of our operations,” said Mr Simukonde.
The acquisition of the new CRJ-200 was facilitated by Avmax, a global leader in aircraft leasing and aviation services. This partnership highlights Proflight’s strategic approach to fleet expansion, leveraging relationships with international suppliers to meet local and regional demands.
“We congratulate Proflight Zambia on taking delivery of another CRJ-200 from Avmax. It is a reflection of increased demand in the Southern Africa region and a testament that the CRJ-200 is the ideal aircraft for its continued growth,” said Scott Greig, Avmax’s SVP and Head of Avmax Aircraft Leasing Inc. (AALI).
As the CRJ-200 awaits clearance and registration on the Zambian register, Proflight anticipates the growth and opportunities this expansion will bring, further solidifying its position as the preferred regional carrier. Travellers can look forward to enhanced air travel experiences as the airline continues its pursuit of safety, reliability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
