• Zambia’s aviation industry has been slowly recovering
• The sub-sector was not spared by Covid-19 pandemic
• There is need for stakeholder engagement to make Zambia a regional transport and aviation hub.

Transport and Logistics Minister says Zambia’s aviation industry has been slowly recovering, as seen by South African Airways’ return and Qatar Airways’ entrance as well as the launch of Air Tanzania’s Dar Es Salaam to Ndola route at the new Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport last week.

Speaking during the Aviation Stakeholders meeting, Frank Tayali noted that the country’s aviation sub-sector was not spared by the Covid-19 pandemic, as three international airports shut down at the height of the pandemic.

“I also understand that the last two years have particularly been very difficult due to the advent of the COVID- 19 pandemic with Air operators being particularly hard hit, and most had to scale down operations in order to survive or simply cease operations, “Mr. Tayali noted.

Mr. Tayali also revealed that the Air Transport sector supports over 62.7 million jobs globally and continues to play a pivotal role in Zambia’s national development.

He further stated that there is need for stakeholder engagement in order to make Zambia a regional transport and aviation hub in the SADC Region.

“As at today, I can confidently say that we are on the mend and there is light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

Mr. Tayali further said air transport is the fastest, safest and reliable mode of transport but without an efficient and effective transport system, economic growth is hampered anywhere.