Proflight Positions Zambia as a Regional Aviation Leader at AASA Summit
Proflight Zambia has strengthened the nation’s position on Africa’s aviation map after successfully co-hosting the 55th Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) Annual General Assembly (AGA), held in Lusaka from 15 to 19 October 2025.
Hosted at Ciêla Resort and Spa, the event brought together more than 250 aviation leaders, regulators and policymakers from across the continent, marking a major milestone for both Zambia and Proflight, the country’s leading scheduled airline. The gathering focused on shaping the future of African aviation, with delegates discussing regional competitiveness, connectivity, sustainability, digitalisation, inclusivity and skills development under the theme “Believe, Stop, Improve.”
AASA Chief Executive Officer, Aaron Munetsi, urged African aviation stakeholders to collaborate to build a stronger, more open and competitive air transport sector.
“Airlines, airports, air navigation services, regulators and equipment suppliers all have a part to play in rewriting Africa’s aviation narrative and proving that African carriers can compete globally,” he said.
Proflight Zambia’s Director of Flight Operations, Captain Josias Walubita, highlighted aviation as a crucial driver of economic growth and opportunity.
“Aviation is the bridge that makes Africa’s connections possible. It shrinks distances, opens doors and unlocks boundless potential,” he told delegates. “Here in Zambia, our skies tell a story of resilience, innovation and pride.”
Over the last two decades, Proflight has evolved from a domestic operator into a regional airline offering routes to Johannesburg, Cape Town and soon Windhoek and Maun, alongside nine domestic destinations. The airline also holds 11 interline partnerships with major international carriers.
Proflight Zambia CEO, Tony Irwin, emphasised that aviation is ultimately a people-driven industry. “This is an industry of four-letter words: fuel, cost, cash – but the most important is team,” he said. “An airline is more about people than it is about aeroplanes. It’s the people who make it work.”
Mr Irwin added that new routes not only support the airline but fuel tourism, trade and regional development across Southern Africa.
During the AGA, Proflight confirmed plans to become a fully cashless airline by November 2025, reinforcing its commitment to digital transformation and operational efficiency.
“Digitalisation is how we make travel safer, smoother and more sustainable,” said Capt. Walubita. “We’re proud to be leading this change in Africa.”
Civil Aviation Authority Director General, Capt. Derrick Luembe, praised Proflight’s leadership in expanding access, promoting safety and enhancing competitiveness in Zambia’s airspace. The Ministry of Transport and Logistics further noted that the Assembly showcased Zambia’s growing influence as a regional gateway for trade and tourism.
The conference concluded with a colourful Gala Dinner on 18 October, celebrating African culture through music, food and traditional chitenge attire. The event was sponsored by TotalEnergies Zambia, Travelport, Voyagers Zambia, Aquavita Mineral Water, AirlinePros, Absa, Aircraft Risk Company (ARC), Zambian Breweries and Ciêla Resort & Spa.
In closing, Capt. Walubita reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to strengthening regional air connectivity. “Regional aviation is not just about routes; it is about connecting people, possibilities and progress,” he said. “Together with partners across Africa, Proflight Zambia is helping make Southern African skies more connected, competitive and sustainable.”
