Regional airline opens up Zambia

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA - Proflight Zambia’s inaugural flight direct from Lusaka to Durban in South Africa took to the skies on September 22, opening up a new direct route for travellers from Zambia to enjoy the sea, sporting and cultural events, shopping and business prospects.

The service also presented new opportunities for Durban travellers to travel to Zambia, whether to explore the excitement of Victoria Falls, take a safari adventure to remember, or cement business relationships with face-to-face meetings in the Copperbelt.

The country’s leading scheduled airline flies three times a week direct between Lusaka and Durban, departing from Lusaka at 09:50 and arriving in Durban at 12:20 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and departing at 8:15 on Sundays for a 10:45 arrival in Durban.

From Durban flights leave at 13:00 and arrive in Lusaka at 15:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, providing a comfortable connection with Proflight’s thrice daily service from Lusaka to Ndola; and there’s an 11:25 departure on Sundays to arrive at 13:55.

The airline, which is celebrating 25 years of operation this year, uses a 50-seater Bombardier CRJ jet on the route and prides itself on providing a safe, efficient, reliable and friendly service which ensures quick check-in, boarding and disembarkation.

There’s also as fast-turnaround on luggage collection, with a generous 46kg allowance on the Lusaka/Durban route.

Proflight Zambia flies to seven local domestic destinations: from Lusaka to Livingstone, Mfuwe, Lower Zambezi, Ndola, Solwezi and Kasama. Flying to these domestic destinations enables tourists to easily reach the tourist destinations such as Victoria Falls – just 1 hour and 10 minutes away from Lusaka; or the world-class safari destination of Luangwa National Park (via Mfuwe) in less than an hour; and in 35 minutes travellers can be relaxing on the bank of the mighty Zambezi River in the Lower Zambezi.

Zambia has a vast range of incredible tourist attractions for both international and local visitors, but these attractions are spread out across the country, with long distances between them. The only fastest means of getting to these destinations is by flying, which is the best option for reaching all the far-flung places, quickly, safely and affordably, explained Proflight Zambia’s Director of Government and Industry Affairs Captain Philip Lemba.

Convenient booking are a key part of Proflight’s strategy, with online bookings and payments available through www.flyzambia.com. Innovative payment methods have been set to give the ability to book and pay through Shoprite supermarkets countrywide, and to pay using Airtel and MTN mobile money and Zoona kiosk outlets.

For business travellers, the service between Durban and Lusaka and onward to Ndola and Solwezi provides easy access for those doing business with some of the world’s largest copper mining companies, while a growing agriculture sector means increasing traffic between the two cities as technology, expertise and produce is traded.

Since it began its Durban route Proflight has also been keen to promote the attractions of the city to Zambian residents.

“It’s the perfect opportunity to take a weekend away to walk on the beach, do some shopping, visit Ushaka marine world, swim in the sea and enjoy all the other activities that Durban has to offer.  It’s also a fantastic opportunity for shopping at one of Durban’s many shopping malls or markets,” said Captain Lemba.

Durban has become one of South Africa’s most visited places over the past few years both as a tourist centre and an important business hub, being home to the ninth largest harbour in the world and the busiest cargo port and container terminal in Southern Africa.  Now Zambian travellers are beginning to explore Kwazulu-Natal for themselves thanks to Proflight’s flights and promotion, which focusses on the tourist attractions including Durban’s beaches, the world class uShaka Marine World and top-class shopping.

Selling points include the city’s regular hosting of world-class musical events, cultural functions and sporting activities, and its selection to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, as well as a host of trade and consumer exhibitions.

Durban is also home to a number of world-renowned schools that attract pupils from Zambia as well as elsewhere across Africa, the airline emphasises.

To enhance trade between Durban and Lusaka, Proflight Zambia in partnership with BidAir Cargo have agreed to offer space for cargo on the Lusaka/ Durban flights.