Proflight Zambia Expands Fleet with Fifth CRJ Passenger Jet
Proflight Zambia has proudly announced the addition of its fifth Bombardier CRJ-200 passenger jet, further solidifying its position as a leading regional carrier. This new aircraft enhances the airline’s commitment to improving operations, connectivity, capacity, and service excellence.
The arrival of the CRJ-200 jet expands Proflight’s fleet, which now includes five 50-seater Bombardier CRJ-200 passenger jets and a Bombardier CRJ-100 freighter jet. Eric Simukonde, Proflight’s Maintenance Manager and flight engineer for the delivery, expressed his excitement about the new addition: “We are thrilled to welcome the CRJ-200 to our growing fleet. This significant milestone underscores our dedication to providing exceptional service to our customers.”
With the introduction of this aircraft, Proflight aims to expand its regional network, introduce new routes, and ensure enhanced reliability in its operations. Simukonde noted, “The CRJ-200 is an excellent aircraft for regional operations, particularly in terms of fuel efficiency and passenger capacity. It is preferred for its comfort, reliability, and suitability for regional connectivity.”
The delivery of the new jet involved an extensive journey, which included six fuel stops: starting from Great Falls, Canada, to Winnipeg, then Iqaluit, and on to Reykjavik, Iceland.
After an overnight stop in Prague, the flight continued with fuel stops in Luxor, Egypt, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, before finally arriving in Lusaka. The entire ferry operation took approximately 24 hours of flight time, showcasing the team’s dedication and expertise.
This new addition comes just a month after Proflight introduced a British Aerospace Jetstream 4100, bringing the airline’s total fleet to 12 aircraft. As the aviation industry faces challenges such as high operating costs and stringent safety standards, Proflight’s strategic fleet expansion is expected to significantly contribute to the growth of Zambia’s aviation sector.
Simukonde emphasized the airline’s commitment to safety, stating, “We strictly adhere to ICAO and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) standards, ensuring that every aspect of our maintenance and operations meets the required safety regulations.”
Scott Greig, SVP and Head of Avmax Aircraft Leasing Inc, congratulated Proflight on the acquisition, saying, “It is a reflection of increased demand in the Southern Africa region and a testament that the CRJ-200 is the ideal aircraft for its continued growth.”
As the CRJ-200 awaits clearance and registration on the Zambian register, Proflight anticipates the new opportunities this expansion will bring, enhancing air travel experiences for its customers and solidifying its status as the preferred regional carrier.
