Ethiopian Airlines has finalized preparations for the launch of Zambia’s national carrier, Zambia Airways, in a joint venture with Industrial Development Corporation Limited (IDC). The inaugural flight between Lusaka and Ndola will take place on December 1st, 2021.
The Ethiopian Airlines has handed over the first aircraft to Zambia Airways under the joint venture between the two airlines through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) - Courtesy ZNBC
On Monday (November 29, 2021), Ethiopian Airlines announced that they have finalized preparations for the launch of Zambia’s national carrier, Zambia Airways, in a joint venture with Industrial Development Corporation Limited. Ethiopian Airlines holds a 45 percent stake in the venture, while IDC retains 55 percent. Combined, the shareholders have contributed $30 million in capital to establish the new airline. Zambia Airways (ZN) will take to the skies over Africa on December 1st, 2021, with inaugural domestic service between Lusaka and Ndola. The Lusaka-Ndola route will operate six times weekly, while Lusaka-Livingstone flights will be offered five times per week. Additional domestic destinations will include Mfuwe and Solwezi, with regional service to Johannesburg and Harare expected to launch in the first quarter of 2022.
In Monday’s announcement, Ethiopian Airlines Group’s CEO, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, said,
“The strategic equity partnership in the launching of Zambia’s national carrier is part of our Vision 2025 multiple hub strategy in Africa. Ethiopian is committed to its growth plan in collaboration with African carriers and the new Zambia Airways will serve as a strong hub in Central and Southern Africa availing domestic, regional and eventually international air connectivity for passengers and cargo to the major destinations in the Middle East, Europe and Asia, which will enhance the socioeconomic integration and tourism industry in Zambia and the region.”
As part of their multiple hub strategy in Africa, Ethiopian currently operates hubs in Lomé (Togo) with ASKY Airlines, Malawian in Lilongwe (Malawi), Tchadia in N’Djamena (Chad) and Ethiopian Mozambique in Maputo (Mozambique). Additionally, Ethiopian has already acquired stakes in the national carriers of Guinea and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Celebrating their 75th year of operations, Ethiopian Airlines is the fastest growing airline in Africa. The carrier commands the largest share of Pan-African passenger and cargo service and operates one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the world. Ethiopian serves over 130 destinations across five continents with a fleet of ultra-modern fuel efficient aircraft including Airbus A350s, Boeing 787-8/9 Dreamliners, Boeing 777-300ERs, Boeing 777-200LRs, Boeing 777-200 Freighters and De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400s. The airline’s fleet has an average age of five years and Ethiopian was the first African carrier to operate the previously mentioned aircraft types.
Source: Ethiopian Airlines