Air Namibia’s Angolan Success Story

IN celebrating 25 years of operating in and out of Angola, Namibia’s national carrier Air Namibia flew some of its top executives, media representatives and a selection of VIPs to Luanda on 20 May.

In The Beginning

With its first flight to Namibia’s northern neighbour taking off soon after independence on 20 May 1991, the airline started with a flight per week operation, which was suspended in 1992 due to the war in Angola. The flights were soon resumed by 1 May 1995, and have since proceeded without interruptions. The airline was in no time flying two times per week and gradually gaining market growth, which has led to the current seven flights per week (daily service).

Reaping fruits

“The launch of Air Namibia’s flights to Luanda 25 years ago continues to bear the desired fruits, as can be seen from ‘record high growth in traffic’ numbers in a sustainable fashion over the period “, Mandi Samson, acting MD of the company said about the success of the Windhoek Luanda route. The route has a record number of passengers, whom Samson applauded for their loyalty and continued support over the years.

One such passenger, Olga Mukhina said she wouldn’t consider any other airline for her frequent trips to Namibia.

“I have been flying with them since 1997, and although I took fewer flights at first, I now fly three to four times a year with Air Namibia, mostly to go visit my daughter who lives in Namibia “, she told The Namibian.

What makes the airline so special, though?

“Since the first time I flew with Air Namibia, I am very passionate about the airline. I love the service they give me, and especially how they treat me “, she noted.

Mukhina is but one of the thousands of Angolan nationals who choose Namibia’s national carrier over their own and other regional airlines. In just 10 years, the total market size grew by more than 120%. That’s 50 000 passengers per year in 2006 to over 19 600 so far in 2016 (Air Namibia).

Challenges

The airline has had its fair share of challenges in its Angolan operations. Besides the war which halted its flights to the country, the current economic crisis affecting Angola poses another hurdle. According to Samson, though, the airline will continue to be committed to maintain its service on the route. Namibia’s ambassador to Angola, Grace Uushona is hopeful that the crisis will not just pose challenges to the airline, but also bear benefits for the country’s tourism sector as more Angolans opt to come to Namibia for basic services such as health and shopping.

“Most Angolan people who used to go to Europe for health check ups have been coming to our embassy to enquire about coming to Namibia for health services. Angolan people inject a lot of money into our economy “, she pointed out.

Here to stay

Air Namibia has firmly embedded its roots in Angola, and today shares the total market with its Angolan counterpart, TAAG Angolan Airlines.

“Air Namibia and TAAG Angolan Airlines enjoy a good and cooperative spirit, as evidenced by the code share and complementing flight schedules designed to offer a seamless service “, Samson said of the airlines’ agreement. Today, there are 15 staff members who man Air Namibia’s Luanda office. They are all Angolan professionals and highly trained technical staff members.

Boasting 10 annual awards in service excellence as ‘Best Regional Airline for Southern Africa’ , Air Namibia continues to build on the historic relationship between Namibia and Angola.

“We strive to cement business relationships and family ties which exist between our two countries through the provision of air transport services for both passengers and cargo in the true spirit of Harambee ” Samson promised.

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