Zambia

Country facts

Market overview

Zambia’s aviation market is relatively small but experiencing robust growth, supported by a variety of airlines and enhanced airport infrastructure. The industry is regulated by the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA), ensuring compliance with national and international aviation standards.

The national airline, Zambia Airways, was relaunched in 2019 after ceasing operations in 1994. It currently operates domestic and regional flights to several destinations in Southern Africa, including Johannesburg, Harare, and Lusaka, with plans to expand its network to other parts of Africa and the Middle East. In addition to Zambia Airways, several other airlines operate in Zambia, including Proflight Zambia, which offers domestic and regional flights and South African Airways, which provides international flights to Johannesburg. Other notable carriers include South African Airlink, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar and Emirates Airlines enhancing connectivity and travel options.

Zambia’s airport infrastructure has seen significant upgrades, with major improvements at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) in Lusaka, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (SMKIA) in Ndola, and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (HMNIA) in Livingstone. These upgrades have increased capacity, modernized facilities, and improved passenger experiences, positioning Zambia as an emerging travel hub. The Zambian government is dedicated to developing the aviation sector and attracting private investment in both airport infrastructure and airline operations. Opportunities abound, particularly in enhancing regional connectivity and promoting tourism.

Overall, the aviation market in Zambia has significant growth potential. While challenges such as competition from regional airports exist, the continued development of infrastructure and government support suggest a bright future for the industry.

Location

Clients

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Airline

Mike Chipimo

Managing Director

Mike Chipimo is a seasoned aviation professional with an extraordinary breadth of management experience. Renowned for his strategic acumen, outstanding interpersonal skills, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Mike has carved out an impressive career spanning more than 30 years in the aviation industry. In his current role, he continues to push boundaries, devising and implementing strategies to grow market share, optimize revenue, and strengthen the client’s competitive position.

Mike’s journey in aviation began as a young, eager graduate, working his way up the ranks in various airlines through sheer determination and a strong work ethic. He quickly developed a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s complexities, while also acquiring an invaluable set of skills in operations, sales, and marketing. Over the years, Mike has held several high-level managerial positions within renowned airlines, where he was responsible for managing large teams, driving operational efficiency, and maximizing revenue generation.

His ability to adapt to dynamic market conditions and cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders has been a key factor in his success. Mike’s leadership has been instrumental in achieving significant milestones, such as increasing market share and fostering long-term partnerships. His innovative approaches to sales and marketing have enabled clients to navigate challenging market conditions, maintain profitability, and enhance brand recognition.

Hellen Ngwira Mwamba

General Manager

Hellen Ngwira Mwamba is a highly accomplished aviation leader with over 15 years of experience in driving growth and operational excellence for major airlines, including the national carrier of Zambia, Proflight and British Airways Her expertise spans sales, marketing, and customer service, where she has consistently delivered high-impact results. Hellen has played a key role in expanding market share, developing innovative customer engagement strategies, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve commercial success in competitive environments.

As the founder and CEO of HNM Group Limited, she also spearheads Aviation Week Africa, a leading platform that fosters collaboration and innovation within the aviation industry across the continent. Known for her visionary leadership and strategic acumen, Hellen is deeply committed to advancing the aviation sector while empowering the next generation of leaders through mentorship. Her proven ability to lead organizations, drive sustainable growth, and execute strategic initiatives makes her an invaluable asset as General Manager for Airline Pros.

Ancy Elizabeth Antony

Commercial Director

Ancy Elizabeth Antony is no stranger to the intricate dynamics of global travel, with more than two decades of wide-ranging experience to her name. Her love affair with travel began at a tender age, with her innate curiosity about the world and its myriad cultures eventually propelling her into the travel sector. She has made a mark for herself with her innovative strategies and customer-centric approaches; and over the years, she has headed numerous travel campaigns, curated bespoke tour packages, and pioneered the use of digital platforms that have dramatically changed the way people plan their journeys, for better escapades.

Though distinct in its operations, the airline industry is part of the broader travel ecosystem – something that makes Ancy the perfect fit for the role. Her extensive experience in the travel sector means that she possesses a deep understanding of travelers’ evolving needs and expectations, helping her bring a fresh perspective to the table. She has been instrumental in redefining sales models, advocating a more holistic approach, and driving an atmosphere of collaboration within her teams, who are encouraged to be always agile and ready to adapt in step with the ever-changing pulse of the global traveler, which resonates deeply with clients.

In the interconnected world of travel and aviation, understanding the heart and soul of the traveler makes all the difference. Ancy’s strategies prioritize end-to-end travel experiences, encompassing everything from the initial booking phase to in-flight amenities and post-trip engagements. Her forward-thinking leadership has resulted in the adoption of more data-driven and personalized marketing approaches; and by making use of insights from her years in the travel sector, she is able to anticipate market shifts with certainty, tailor offerings to diverse customer segments, and cultivate a brand loyalty that is unparalleled in the industry.

Michell Fourie

Chief Operating Officer

Michell Fourie is a passionate and accomplished leader in the airline industry, with more than 25 years of experience in aviation to her name. She has earned a reputation for her unwavering dedication, strategic thinking, and ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the sector. Throughout her illustrious career, she has consistently demonstrated her unwavering commitment to excellence, her ability to rise above challenges, and her determination to make a positive impact on the airlines she works with.

Michell’s journey began at Airports Company South Africa as an Information Agent, where she gained valuable insight into the nuances of airport and airline operations. Her commitment to excellence caught the attention of South African Airways, leading her to join the airline as a Customer Service Agent supporting Sales. Michell’s empathetic approach and customer-centric mindset quickly distinguished her as an asset to the company, as she diligently worked to bridge the gap between the airline and its customers.

Recognizing her potential for leadership, Air Namibia appointed Michell as the Country Manager for Zambia. Michell’s perseverance and tenacity in in expanding the airline’s presence and increasing its market share in the country led to her promotion as the Commercial Services Manager in charge of Sales & Marketing at the airline, where she championed innovative strategies to enhance brand awareness, optimize revenue streams, and establish a strong competitive edge for the airline in a demanding market.

Michell Fourie is not only an inspiring figure in the aviation industry but also a role model for aspiring professionals.