AIR Namibia last week flew its top executives, guests and journalists to Luanda, Angola, as part of its silver jubilee celebrations.
The Windhoek Luanda route is Air Namibia’s most profitable, and has seen more than 110 000 passengers using the airline, up from 50 000 in 2006.
Twenty five years ago, Air Namibia had one flight per week to that destination, compared to the current three.
There are plans to make the flights daily.
Speaking at a cocktail ceremony to mark the occasion, Air Namibia’s acting managing director Mandi Samson expressed joy at the loyalty shown by the Angolans who continue to use the airline. She also promised Air Namibia’s continued service excellence, saying the support from the Angolans was a sign of full acceptance.
Air Namibia’s operations to Luanda have not been without challenges after its flights were suspended for three years in 1992 because of the civil war. The prevailing economic crisis in Angola is another challenge the airliner is facing.
Samson is adamant that this too is something the airline will overcome.
Namibian ambassador to Angola Grace Uushona congratulated Air Namibia, and acknowledged the benefits the airline has brought to both countries.
“It’s the first regional airline to fly to Angola after the war to today. It is a source of pride to see our national flag in the Angolan air space, ” she noted.
Antonio Buica, who has been flying Air Namibia for 21 years, said he feels like a son of Namibia.
“I have never had problems with Air Namibia staff. That is why I prefer to fly that airline even when I’m going to South Africa from Windhoek. I hope the airline will extend its routes as I would still choose them to go anywhere they fly, ” he stated.
The event in Luanda was attended by Angolan tourism minister Paulino Baptista, Angolan civil aviation engineer Carlos David, Angolan airport authorities as well as officials from the Angolan airline Taag, amongst others.
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