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OCTOBER 22, 2024
PROFLIGHT CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF CRJ JET OPERATIONS
Zambia’s leading regional airline marks decade of CRJ fleet with new additions to its fleet
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Zambia’s leading regional airline, Proflight Zambia, is celebrating a decade of success with its Bombardier CRJ Jets, a milestone that reflects the carrier’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and expanding its fleet.
Since introducing the Chembe CRJ-100 jet, affectionately known as the ‘Jubilee Jet’ as it commenced operations in the month of Zambia’s 50th Birthday; October 2014, Proflight has consistently grown its operations, playing a key role in transforming Zambia’s aviation landscape.
Proflight’s current fleet now boasts five CRJ aircraft: four passenger jets and a freighter jet. The airline in September, included its latest addition – a CRJ-200 jet registered as 9J-PFE -which recently joined the Zambian skies.
“Ten years ago, we took a bold step by introducing the CRJ jet, and today we are proud of what we have accomplished,” said Proflight Chairman and Director Administration, Chitalu Kabalika. “Our CRJ fleet is a key part of our success, and we are excited to see where the next decade will take us.”
The introduction of the Chembe Jet in 2014 was a bold move that transformed Proflight’s capabilities, enabling it to connect Zambia to major regional hubs with greater efficiency. The first international route was Lusaka/ Durban in September 2015 followed by Joburg in October 2020 and Cape Town in July 2023. This year, Proflight retired the Chembe CRJ jet after a decade of service. However, the retirement of Chembe signals not an end, but a new chapter in the airline’s evolution with the CRJ-200 passenger jets.
Proflight’s fleet of CRJ-200 jets, known for their performance and fuel efficiency, has allowed the airline to maintain a competitive edge in regional aviation. The CRJ-200 is equipped to carry 50 passengers, cruise at a speed of 682 km/h, and fly at altitudes of 41,000 feet, making it ideal for short to medium-haul flights. Additionally, the CRJ-100 freighter jet will enable Proflight to expand its cargo services, supporting businesses and logistics both locally and regionally. With more than 1900 CRJ series aircraft produced, the CRJ family of aircraft is the 3rd largest fleet of commercial sets ever produced and Proflight is proud to be part of this.
“We are excited to see our fourth CRJ-200 passenger jet in the skies, contributing to our goal of providing world-class travel experiences,” said Proflight Director of Flight Operations, Captain Josias Walubita.
Proflight remains committed to leveraging the strengths of its CRJ jet fleet to drive regional growth. The jets have proven to be essential to the airline’s operational efficiency, with their fuel-saving capabilities allowing Proflight to keep ticket prices competitive while delivering high-quality services. These jets are also equipped with spacious cabins, noise-reduction technology, and ample legroom, ensuring a comfortable travel experience for passengers.
“We are proud of what we have achieved with the CRJ jets, and the addition of new aircraft to our fleet keeps us on track to offer world-class services and expand our services,” said Captain Walubita.
As the skies bid farewell to the Chembe CRJ jet, Proflight looks forward to the next decade of progress. From connecting Zambians to regional destinations to providing essential cargo services that fuel economic growth, Proflight’s CRJ jets are a driving force in Zambia’s aviation sector.
Proflight, with its growing CRJ jet fleet, is well-positioned to continue its mission of enhancing connectivity, contributing to Zambia’s economic growth, and providing safe, reliable, efficient, friendly and comfortable service for both passengers and cargo.
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About Proflight Zambia
Proflight Zambia, established as a scheduled airline in 2005, is Zambia’s leading airline. Operating from its base in Lusaka its domestic routes include Livingstone, Mfuwe, Ndola, Solwezi, Kalumbila, Mansa, and Kasama, seasonal safari routes to Chunga airstrip in Kafue National Park and Jeki/Royal airstrips in Lower Zambezi; and regionally to Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town in South Africa from Lusaka.
The airline prides itself in providing a safe, reliable, efficient, and friendly service, and offering good value to business and leisure travellers locally and internationally.
The airline operates four 50-seater Bombardier CRJ-100/200 jets, a Bombardier CRJ-100 Freighter Jet, four 29-seater Jetstream 41 aircraft and one 18-seater Jetstream 32 aircraft.
More information is available at www.flyzambia.com.
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