Proflight Zambia Marks 20 Years of Scheduled Services with Expansion and National Pride
Proflight Zambia is celebrating two decades of scheduled passenger services, marking a milestone in the country’s aviation history and reaffirming its role as a driver of connectivity, commerce, and tourism across Zambia and the wider region.
Since launching scheduled services in June 2005 with a single 18-seater Jetstream 32 aircraft, the airline has grown into Zambia’s leading carrier, operating a fleet of ten aircraft including five 50-seater Bombardier CRJ-200 jets, a CRJ-100 freighter, and five Jetstream 41 turboprops. Over the past 20 years, the airline has transported more than two million passengers, with over 270,000 travellers carried in 2024 alone.
Reflecting on the anniversary, Chief Pilot Captain Preller Kopolo highlighted the vision of founder Captain Tony Irwin, whose transition from charter operations to scheduled services transformed Zambia’s domestic and regional air travel landscape. “What began with three pilots, two cabin crew, and one aircraft has become a proudly Zambian airline connecting communities, industries, and opportunities across the nation,” said Capt. Kopolo.
From its early routes linking Lusaka with Ndola, Livingstone, Mfuwe, and Solwezi, Proflight has expanded to include flights to Kasama, Mansa, Kalumbila, and seasonal safari destinations in the Lower Zambezi. Regional routes to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Harare, and Lilongwe have further cemented its role as a bridge between Zambia and the region.
The airline has also played a vital role in boosting tourism, enabling international travellers to connect seamlessly from Lusaka to wildlife destinations such as Mfuwe and Livingstone. Partnerships with Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and CemAir, as well as 11 interline agreements, have strengthened its international reach.
Cargo services are expanding too, with a dedicated CRJ freighter set to enhance Zambia’s agricultural exports, supporting farmers and businesses in reaching global markets.
Passenger traffic in Zambia has doubled since 2008, reaching a record high of over two million in 2023, according to Zambia Airports Corporation Limited. By June 2025, Proflight employed more than 300 Zambian professionals, with 96 per cent of its workforce being nationals. Notably, 38 per cent of its staff are women, including three pilots and 12 engineers, figures that far exceed continental averages.
The airline also takes pride in nurturing loyalty and experience: 16 per cent of its employees have been with Proflight for over a decade, with seven having served since the inception of scheduled operations.
“Airlines are more about people than aircraft,” Capt. Kopolo reflected. “Our investment in training, inclusivity, and skills development ensures that we grow with Zambia and remain competitive in a fast-changing industry.”
Safety remains a cornerstone, with operations aligned to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards. Customer service is also central, with schedule flexibility designed to meet business and leisure travellers’ needs.
The airline’s cultural identity is equally important. “Chitenge Fridays” encourage staff to showcase traditional Zambian attire, while on board, passengers are served local products such as Kasama coffee and Kawambwa tea. Proflight also carries the ‘Proudly Zambian’ logo, underscoring its commitment to supporting local suppliers.
Looking ahead, Proflight aims to expand its fleet with more fuel-efficient regional jets, strengthen cargo operations, enhance digital integration, and extend scheduled services to all 10 provincial capitals. Lusaka’s central location, combined with strategic partnerships, positions Zambia as a potential aviation hub for Southern Africa.
“After 20 years, Proflight Zambia is not only an airline but also a symbol of national progress,” said Capt. Kopolo. “As I approach the twilight of my aviation career, my greatest reward is seeing this company flourish and mentoring the next generation of Zambian aviators.”
The 20th anniversary celebrations underscore Proflight’s resilience, contribution to national development, and unwavering vision to connect Zambia with the world.
