Minister of Transport and Logistics Frank Tayali has expressed happiness on improvements made in the Transport and Logistics Sub sectors, particularly the aviation sector.
Mr. Tayali says the aviation sector is one of the key catalysts in fostering social economic growth and transformation.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS news in Lusaka today, the Minister says there has been remarkable growth in both international and domestic air travel, with passenger numbers soaring by 133 percent as of August 2023.
He said an average of 23 aircrafts have been registered in Zambia since the UPND administration assumed office, saying the ministry wants to double the numbers by the end of the year.
Mr. Tayali adds that the ministry is also working on expanding the parking space and landing fees at the airport to meet the demands from various stakeholders.
He stated that the landing fees have been reduced to meet the expectations of business partners and to the pleasure of the operator such that local airlines are now competing favorably.
He disclosed that Zambia also recently launched FlySafair a direct airline from Livingstone to Johannesburg and future plans are underway to sign an international flight, Lufthansa, which is a direct airline from Germany to Lusaka and Lusaka to Cape Town.
He said President Hakainde Hichilema has been marketing Zambia and the ministry has responded, by leveling the playing field to make the local airlines competitive.
He added that Zambia Airways has managed to bring in Boeing 737-800 a special plane which will take part in the regional flight to Johannesburg, Dar-es-salaam and Nairobi.
Mr. Tayali said the country is heading towards making Zambia a transport and logistics regional hub.
