Proflight Zambia will expand its fleet operations later this year by introducing the 50-seat Bombardier CRJ-200 jet on flights between Lusaka and Kasama. The service is scheduled to begin at the end of September 2025 and will mark the first time this type of aircraft has been used for regular passenger flights into Kasama Airport in Northern Province.
According to the airline, the CRJ-200 will initially operate on Tuesdays from late September, with an additional Thursday service to follow in November. The route’s Sunday flights will continue to be handled by the smaller Jetstream 41. With the jet in service, travel time between Lusaka and Kasama will be cut to around 90 minutes while also providing greater seating capacity.
Proflight Zambia’s Flight Operations Director, Captain Josias Walubita, said the new aircraft deployment reflects the company’s aim to broaden connectivity and improve passenger experience. He noted that the move represents a milestone for both the airline and the region.
The CRJ-200 is capable of cruising at 860 km/h, a speed that makes it well suited to domestic operations where faster links between provinces are in demand. Its use on the Kasama route also forms part of Proflight Zambia’s broader program to modernize its fleet and strengthen its domestic schedule.
Kasama has grown in importance as a tourism hub since flights to the town were resumed over a year ago. The destination offers access to several attractions in the Northern Circuit, including waterfalls, hot springs, and Lake Tanganyika. It also serves as a base for visiting Kalambo Falls—one of the continent’s highest waterfalls—and Chishimba Falls, a site of cultural significance. Tourism stakeholders have welcomed the introduction of the jet, expecting it to increase visitor numbers to the area.
In addition to expanding air services, Proflight Zambia will highlight local products on board. Passengers traveling on the Lusaka–Kasama route will be able to sample Kasama Coffee, a specialty coffee produced in the region. The airline said this initiative is part of its efforts to support local producers and promote Zambian goods to a wider audience.
The changes extend beyond Kasama. Proflight Zambia also confirmed adjustments to its Lusaka–Mansa schedule, with a new Tuesday flight starting in late September and an additional Thursday flight in November. This will bring services to Mansa to six per week, improving access to Luapula Province from Lusaka and Ndola.
Founded in 2005 and based in Lusaka, Proflight Zambia operates a network of domestic routes to Kalumbila, Livingstone, Mfuwe, Ndola, Solwezi, Kasama, and Mansa, along with seasonal services to safari camps in Lower Zambezi National Park. Its regional connections include flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Windhoek.
The airline’s current fleet consists of five Bombardier CRJ-200 regional jets, one CRJ-100 freighter, and five Jetstream 41 turboprops. Company officials describe its focus as delivering safe and reliable air travel while expanding connectivity within Zambia and to neighboring countries.
The introduction of the CRJ-200 on the Lusaka–Kasama route is expected to enhance transport links in Northern Province, with potential benefits for both trade and tourism.
