FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURES
NOVEMBER 5, 2025
PROFLIGHT ZAMBIA SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP AS AFRICA’S AVIATION COMMUNITY CONVERGED IN LUSAKA
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Proflight Zambia has helped place Zambia firmly on Africa’s aviation map after successfully co-hosting the 55th Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) Annual General Assembly (AGA) in Lusaka from the 15th to the 19th of October 2025.
The event — held at Ciêla Resort and Spa — attracted over 250 aviation leaders, regulators, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond, marking a milestone moment for both Zambia and Proflight Zambia as the nation’s leading airline took centre stage in driving regional dialogue on the future of African aviation.
Themed “Believe, Stop, Improve,” the 2025 AASA AGA tackled the evolving landscape of African aviation; addressing regional competitiveness, connectivity, sustainability, digitalisation, inclusivity, and skills development.
In his keynote address, AASA Chief Executive Officer, Aaron Munetsi, called for a bold, collective effort to democratise and liberate Africa’s aviation sector through harmonised regulations, open markets, stronger governance, and improved infrastructure. “Airlines, airports, air navigation services, regulators, and equipment suppliers all have a part to play in rewriting Africa’s negative aviation narrative and demonstrating that African carriers can hold their own globally,” he said.
At the Assembly, Proflight Zambia’s Director of Flight Operations, Captain Josias Walubita, described aviation as a key enabler of Africa’s growth and a powerful bridge between people and opportunity.
“Africa’s future is written in its connections; between people, places, and opportunities,” Capt. Walubita said. “Aviation is the bridge that makes these connections possible: it shrinks distances, opens doors, and unlocks Africa’s boundless potential. Here in Zambia, our skies tell a story of resilience, innovation, and pride in the people who keep this nation connected.”
Over the past two decades, Proflight Zambia has become Zambia’s aviation success story, growing from a small domestic operator to a regional player with a reputation for reliability, safety, and innovation. The airline now connects nine domestic destinations and operates regional routes to Johannesburg, Cape Town, and soon Windhoek and Maun, with eleven major (11) interline partnerships.
People at the Heart of Aviation
Proflight Zambia CEO Tony Irwin reminded delegates that people remain the heart of the airline’s success. “This is an industry of four-letter words: Fuel, Cost, Cash, but the most important is Team,” said Mr Irwin. “An airline is more about people than it is about aeroplanes. It’s the people who make an airline, the people who make it work.”
Mr Irwin reaffirmed Proflight Zambia’s commitment to regional tourism and connectivity, noting that every new route creates opportunities for growth across Southern Africa. “Every route we open strengthens regional tourism by connecting travellers more directly to the experiences that make Southern Africa unique — from Zambia’s Victoria Falls and national parks to Botswana’s Okavango Delta. We are proud to play our part in bringing such destinations closer together.”
Driving Digital Transformation and Sustainability
During the AGA, Proflight Zambia elaborated on its plans to become a fully cashless airline by November 2025, underscoring its drive toward digital transformation and operational efficiency. The move supports Zambia’s broader push toward a modern, tech-enabled aviation industry that meets global standards.
“Digitalisation is not just a trend — it’s how we make travel safer, smoother, and more sustainable,” said Capt. Walubita. “We’re proud that Proflight is leading this change, showing what’s possible for African carriers.”
Elevating Zambia on the Regional Stage
The successful hosting of AASA’s 55th AGA has reaffirmed Zambia’s growing influence as a hub for regional connectivity and aviation dialogue.
Civil Aviation Authority Director General, Capt. Derrick Luembe, commended Proflight Zambia’s leadership, citing the airline’s pivotal role in expanding access and promoting safety and competitiveness in Zambia’s skies.
The Ministry of Transport and Logistics also recognised the Assembly’s impact, highlighting that Proflight Zambia’s continued growth mirrors Zambia’s emergence as a vital aviation gateway for trade and tourism in Southern Africa.
A Celebration of Culture and Collaboration
The AGA concluded with a colourful Gala Dinner on 18 October, celebrating African culture and the spirit of partnership through music, cuisine, and the vibrant patterns of chitenge. Proudly sponsored by Total Energies Zambia, Travelport, Voyagers Zambia, Aquavita Mineral Water, AirlinePros, Absa, Aircraft Risk Company (ARC), Zambian Breweries and Ciela Resort & Spa, the evening reflected the strength of collaboration that defines the region’s aviation industry.
“Regional aviation is not just about routes; it’s about connecting people, possibilities, and progress,” Capt. Walubita said in closing. “Together with partners across the continent, Proflight Zambia is helping make Southern African skies more connected, competitive, and sustainable.”
-Ends-
About Proflight Zambia
Proflight Zambia, established in 2005, is Zambia’s leading schedule airline. Operating from its base in Lusaka its domestic routes include Kalumbila, Kasama, Livingstone, Mansa, Mfuwe, Ndola, and Solwezi, with seasonal safari routes to Jeki/Royal airstrips in Lower Zambezi National Park. The airline’s regional flights to South Africa operate between Lusaka and Johannesburg, Lusaka and Cape Town (via Livingstone) and Livingstone and Cape Town direct.
The airline prides itself in providing a safe, reliable, efficient, and friendly service, and offering good value to business and leisure travellers locally and internationally.
The airline operates five 50-seater Bombardier CRJ-200 jets, one Bombardier CRJ-100 parcel freighter jet, and five 29-seater Jetstream 41 turboprop aircraft.
More information is available at www.flyzambia.com.
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Gillian Langmead at Langmead & Baker Ltd;
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