Mahogany Air has announced that it will launch the flights into Mbala and Kasama districts on 6th October, 2018 ahead of the Centenary Commemoration of the end of the First World War and Northernan Tourism and Investments Expo slated four 20th to 25th November this year.

This follows the procurement of a 1900D Beechcraft Aircraft by the Airline from South Africa’s National Airways Corporation.

Speaking after inspecting the Aircraft in Johannesburg, Mahogany Air Chief Executive Dr. Jim Belemu assured the Northern Province Administration that the US manufactured 1900D Beechcraft pressurised Aircraft is ideal for short take offs and will be able to land at most outlying Air strips in the Country.

And Northern Province Permanent Secretary Elias Kamanga says he is delighted because now Mahogany who are the official Carrier for the Centenary Commemoration of the end of the First World War and Investments Expo will be able to fly the delegates to both Kasama and Mbala.

“It is also expected that the placing of a slightly bigger plane on the Kasama route which is currently being serviced by a Cesna Propeller will considerably bring down the airfares,” said Mr. Kamanga.

He says works to construct a 3.6 Kilometer runway at Kasama International Airport are expected to finish early next year but that that this particular Aircraft is able to land at the Airport even before the expansion works are completed, resolving one of the major fears in terms of airlifting potential Investors and Tourists into Kasama.

“We are grateful to President Edgar Lungu and his Government for having released over 42million Kwacha in the last two months to expedite works at Kasama and Mbala Airports ahead of the Centenary Commemorations and Expo,” he said.

He adds that Northern Province which is part of the rich Northern Tourism Circuit has huge Investments and Tourism opportunities which have failed to take off due to transport and Communication challenges.

Mr. Kamanga says apart from the runway expansion works at Kasama, Government is remodeling the Terminal Buildings at Samora Machel Airforce Base to commercial use following the Commercialisation of the base by President Edgar Lungu in 2015.

“We are told the launch of flights into the Province home to over 12 Waterfalls, the Nsumbu National Park, Kasaba Bay, Ndole Bay and many other natural wonders will reduce travel time for both business and leisure travellers from the current nine to ten hours to slightly over one hour from Lusaka and under one hour from Ndola,” said Mr. Kamanga.

The Aircraft is being branded ’’Destination Mbala’’ as part of a marketing program for the November 20 to 25th event expected to host a number of International dignitaries from at least 20 Countries across the World.

A representative of Prince Harry, the Duke of York, Government and Military leaders as well as business Executives from Britain, Germany, China, South Africa and many other Countries are expected to descend on the little town of Mbala formely Abercorn to remember the German surrender 100 years ago.