Proflight Zambia has announced the addition of a fifth Bombardier CRJ-200 passenger jet, further enhancing its position as a leading regional airline.
This new acquisition underscores Proflight’s commitment to improving connectivity, operational capacity, and service excellence across Southern Africa.
With the arrival of the CRJ-200, Proflight’s fleet now consists of five 50-seater Bombardier CRJ-200 passenger jets and a Bombardier CRJ-100 freighter.
Eric Simukonde, Proflight’s Maintenance Manager and flight engineer for the delivery, expressed enthusiasm about the new jet: “We are excited to welcome the CRJ-200 into our fleet.
This is a key milestone that reflects our dedication to delivering exceptional service to our passengers.”
The addition of this aircraft aims to expand Proflight’s regional network, introduce new routes, and enhance operational reliability.
Simukonde highlighted the CRJ-200’s suitability for regional travel, emphasizing its fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and reliability: “The CRJ-200 is ideal for regional operations and will strengthen our ability to connect Zambia with neighboring countries.”
The delivery of the jet involved a complex ferry flight spanning 24 hours, with six fuel stops. The journey began in Great Falls, Canada, and included stops in Winnipeg, Iqaluit, Reykjavik, Prague, Luxor, and Addis Ababa before arriving in Lusaka. This achievement demonstrates the expertise and commitment of Proflight’s team.
The new jet follows the recent addition of a British Aerospace Jetstream 4100, bringing Proflight’s total fleet to 12 aircraft.
As the aviation industry faces rising operational costs and stringent safety standards, Proflight’s strategic fleet expansion is expected to significantly contribute to Zambia’s aviation sector growth.
Simukonde reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to safety: “We strictly adhere to ICAO and Civil Aviation Authority standards, ensuring that our maintenance and operations meet the highest safety regulations.”
Scott Greig, Senior Vice President and Head of Avmax Aircraft Leasing Inc., congratulated Proflight on the acquisition, noting that the CRJ-200 is perfectly suited for the growing demand in Southern Africa. The aircraft is currently awaiting clearance and registration in Zambia.
With this expansion, Proflight is poised to improve regional air travel, offering enhanced experiences for its customers and solidifying its status as a preferred carrier in the region.