LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Proflight Zambia, the nation’s leading scheduled airline, celebrated the first anniversary of its pioneering Lusaka-Cape Town route in July, a development that has significantly bolstered regional connectivity between Zambia and South Africa.
The route, launched as the first-ever direct flight between Lusaka and Cape Town in July 2023 and has seen substantial growth over the past year, reflecting strong demand for increased air travel options between the two countries also supported through the airlines Lusaka/ Joburg and Lusaka/ Durban direct service. Proflight provides a same day connection with the Copperbelt to/ from the direct Cape Town Service.
Since its inaugural flight, the Lusaka-Cape Town route has enjoyed robust support from passengers, travel agents and other stakeholders in both countries.
“We are grateful for the overwhelming support from our passengers and partners,” said Captain Josias Walubita, Proflight’s Director of Flight Operations. “Cape Town is a destination that resonates with our passengers, and the success of this route underscores our dedication to enhancing regional connectivity. With this schedule we are offering travellers greater convenience and flexibility, ensuring they make most of their journeys. For our esteemed Copperbelt passengers we believe the offering of a one stop flight via Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) is more convenient and seamless than a connection via O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) and provides a shorter total travel time.”
The direct flight between Lusaka and Cape Town is more than a simple connection between two cities. It serves as a vital bridge fostering tourism, cultural exchange, and economic growth between Zambia and South Africa. Cape Town, renowned for its stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks like Table Mountain, is a top destination for tourists, while Zambia’s attractions, including the majestic Victoria Falls and expansive national parks, are drawing increased interest from South African visitors.
“This direct link is opening up new avenues for both leisure and corporate travel,” added Captain Walubita. “It strengthens regional cooperation and contributes significantly to the tourism and economic sectors of both nations.”
The Lusaka-Cape Town route has made travel between the two countries more accessible, encouraging increased visits and deeper economic interaction. This synergy between Zambia and South Africa is further enhancing tourism partnerships, offering a unique blend of urban, wine, and beach experiences in Cape Town, alongside Zambia’s unparalleled wildlife and natural wonders.
Flights between the two cities operate on Thursdays, and Sundays, providing a convenient and efficient travel experience with a journey time of approximately 3.5 hours. The Thursday flight is currently operating as an afternoon flight departing Lusaka at 14:00. From November, this flight will be rescheduled to a morning departure time of 08:00 to match the Sunday departure time.
The airline’s schedule continues to be adjusted to meet passengers’ needs and seasonal demand. Key updates include the addition of a Saturday morning flight, which will operate over the Christmas holiday season and New Year.
Proflight’s continued commitment to expanding its service comes as the airline looks to strengthen its position in the regional market. The airline’s efforts are seen as part of a broader strategy to enhance travel and tourism between Zambia and its neighbours.
As the airline celebrates this milestone, it acknowledges the support of its passengers and partners, who have played a key role in the success of the Lusaka-Cape Town route. Looking forward, Proflight remains focused on delivering efficient and reliable air travel options across the region.
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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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