The government is poised to commence the construction of new airports in Choma and Kasaba Bay in Nsama District. This follows the successful completion of rehabilitation works at Mongu, Solwezi, and Chipata airports and represents a major milestone in upgrading the country’s aviation infrastructure.
Transport and Logistics Minister Frank Tayali announced this development in a speech read on his behalf by Nkumbu Siame, the Director of Transport in the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, during the 80th International Civil Aviation Day celebrations held in Lusaka.
Honourable Minister Tayali emphasized the need to protect the integrity of the entire aviation network in Zambia through aviation safety and innovation. Protecting the integrity of this network is critical, even as the Ministry embarks on a drive to assure its sustainability and reduce any negative impact of aviation operations on the environment.
Our focus is on ensuring that aviation infrastructure grows with the highest safety standards maintained. We also wish to put in place innovations that guarantee a more friendly environmental aviation sector,” he said.
During the event, CAA Board Chairperson Patrick Nkhoma emphasized the need for increased investment in drone technology. According to Nkhoma, embracing advanced drone solutions is key to the growth and diversification of Zambia’s aviation sector.
Drone technology presents an opportunity to expand our aviation capabilities. It can revolutionize areas such as logistics, agriculture, and emergency response. We urge the Ministry to prioritize this emerging technology to position Zambia as a leader in modern aviation practices,” Nkhoma stated.
Nkhoma also emphasized the need to establish a service charter for the Civil Aviation Authority. Such a charter, he said, would promote good service delivery and increase public confidence in the authority’s operations.
“A clear and transparent service charter will ensure that our stakeholders know what to expect from us, thereby strengthening our accountability and improving efficiency,” he added.
Zimba, a Public Relations Manager at Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe SEPISO, called for some form of collaboration between institutions in the aviation industry as she emphasized that this is effective in engendering development and realization of the set long-term goals of the sector.
The aviation industry is not about infrastructures; it is about people, partnerships, and innovation that move it forward. We can overcome those challenges by working together to position Zambia as a regional hub for aviation excellence,” noted Zimba.
The construction of new airports and investment in advanced technologies such as drones show the government’s commitment to modernizing Zambia’s aviation sector. These, along with recent rehabilitation projects and a focus on sustainability, are bound to improve connectivity, contribute to economic growth, and provide opportunities in tourism and trade.
While the world is working on changes to upgrade the aviation industry, the prudent steps being taken by the Zambian government underscore a sure direction toward development. With its firm but responsible balance of safety and innovation, environmental protection ensures the opening of pathways for greater prosperity.
International Civil Aviation Day celebrated the need for collaboration, innovation, and investment in driving growth within the sector. With these developments, Zambia is setting itself as a key player in the region’s aviation landscape.
