Proflight Zambia Marks 10 Years of CRJ Jet Operations with Fleet Expansion
Proflight Zambia, the country’s leading regional airline, is celebrating a significant milestone—ten years of successful operations with its Bombardier CRJ Jets. This decade-long journey highlights the airline’s commitment to improving regional connectivity and supporting Zambia’s economic growth, with the addition of new aircraft to its fleet marking the occasion.
Since launching its first CRJ-100 jet, dubbed the “Chembe Jubilee Jet,” in October 2014, Proflight has played a pivotal role in transforming Zambia’s aviation sector. The introduction of the Chembe Jet, coinciding with Zambia’s 50th Independence Anniversary, was a bold step that laid the foundation for Proflight’s growth.
Over the past decade, Proflight’s CRJ fleet has expanded to five aircraft: four CRJ-200 passenger jets and one CRJ-100 freighter jet, enhancing both passenger and cargo services. The most recent addition to the fleet, a CRJ-200 jet registered as 9J-PFE, joined the skies in September 2024.
“Ten years ago, we took a bold step by introducing the CRJ jet, and today we are proud of what we have accomplished,” said Chitalu Kabalika, Proflight’s Chairman and Director of Administration. “Our CRJ fleet is a key part of our success, and we are excited to see where the next decade will take us.”
The CRJ jets have been instrumental in connecting Zambia to major regional hubs. In September 2015, Proflight launched its first international route from Lusaka to Durban, followed by Johannesburg in 2020 and Cape Town in 2023. While the Chembe CRJ jet was retired after a decade of service this year, the airline’s continued investment in its CRJ-200 jets ensures further regional expansion.
“The introduction of the CRJ jets has revolutionized our operations, allowing us to offer efficient, reliable services to regional destinations,” said Captain Josias Walubita, Proflight’s Director of Flight Operations. “The addition of the latest CRJ-200 passenger jet demonstrates our commitment to world-class travel experiences.”
The CRJ-200 jets, renowned for their fuel efficiency and performance, offer a blend of cost-effectiveness and comfort for passengers. Capable of carrying 50 passengers and cruising at 682 km/h at altitudes of 41,000 feet, these jets are ideal for short to medium-haul flights across southern Africa. In addition to the passenger jets, the CRJ-100 freighter jet will boost Proflight’s cargo services, helping businesses and logistics providers expand their reach within Zambia and across the region.
With over 1,900 CRJ-series aircraft produced globally, the CRJ family remains one of the most successful in commercial aviation history, and Proflight is proud to be a part of this legacy.
Looking ahead, Proflight remains committed to leveraging the strengths of its CRJ fleet to enhance regional connectivity and deliver superior service. The airline’s focus on operational efficiency, competitive pricing, and passenger comfort positions it as a key player in Zambia’s aviation future.
“As we bid farewell to the Chembe CRJ, we look forward to a new era of growth and innovation,” said Captain Walubita. “With the continued expansion of our CRJ jet fleet, we are ready to soar to new heights, contributing to Zambia’s progress and ensuring safe, reliable, and comfortable travel for all.”
Proflight’s decade of CRJ jet operations has not only transformed the airline but also contributed significantly to the development of Zambia’s aviation sector. With a growing fleet and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Proflight is set to lead the way in regional travel for years to come.
