Air Botswana is to acquire new aircraft to add to its existing fleet.

Kabelo Ebineng, Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Transport and Communication, said: “The fresh investment in new aircraft is planned and expected to aid the strategic thrust of Air Botswana, and to extend beneficial impact to the tourism and trade sectors – among other areas of significance to Botswana’s economic growth.”

The re-fleeting comprises new equipment that includes the new ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, which has two cabin classes and offers enhanced performance. The government-funded airline will also get a jet, which will enable it to be more efficient in its route operations.

According to Minister of Transport and Communications, Onkokame Kitso Mokaila, the re-fleeting will restore investor confidence, as the airline moves ahead with the privatisation agenda. Ebineng previously said that plans were under way, and that the Ministry hoped to achieve privatisation before winter this year.