The Royal Air Charter has launched a new Aircraft, an Embraer Jet – ERJ 145 worth over $4 million. The ERJ145 is so far the biggest plane owned by the company with a 50 seater capacity and it is set to cover Zambia’s major towns and cities that include Lusaka, Solwezi, Kulumbila and Ndola.
Speaking during the launch at Zambia’s largest international airport – Kenneth Kaunda International Airport – KKIA on October 5, 2019 attended by the Zambain Business Times – ZBT, Royal Air Charters Business Development Consultant Dr. Joseph Mulenga disclosed that the company has so far employed 11 full time Zambian pilots, 6 dedicated full time cabin crew members and 31 Zambian citizens employed as maintenance and supporting staff. He added that among the employees includes individuals who were recently trained to fly the ERJ 145.
Dr. Mulenga further said the company is focused on building local capabilities and expanding the aviation sector, adding that it is committed to engaging all key stakeholders in the industry with the goal of increasing competition and thereby service quality in the aviation market.
And Zambia Airport Corporations – ZACL Vice Board Chairperson Prisca Chikwashi commended Royal Air Charters for the step taken stating that it speaks to the growth of not only the aviation sector but the tourism industry as well.
She said the growth in the fleet through acquisition of the new aircraft speaks to Zambia’s intention of attaining the status of becoming an aviation hub for the Southern Africa. At the same event, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Arts, Amos Malupenga said the launch of the new Aircraft will grow the number of tourist arrivals in the country and help alleviate the challenges of infrastructure and air transportation faced in the aviation sector.
Malupenga added that the improvement in the aviation sub-transport sector will help the country achieve tourism-related targets. “With the launch of the new Royal Air Charter aircraft, I trust that the tourism sector will benefit and have an opportunity to provide domestic and foreign tourists with quality transportation options that will reach different parts of the country,” he said.
