New jet service shortens travel time to Kasama
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Proflight Zambia has made aviation history with the launch of its inaugural jet service to Kasama, deploying a 50-seat Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft on the Lusaka–Kasama route for the first time.
The milestone was marked when the airline’s CRJ-200 touched down at Kasama Airport following recent upgrades to the runway and terminal facilities. The introduction of the jet not only boosts passenger capacity but also cuts travel time to just 1 hour 30 minutes, further opening up access to the Northern Circuit.
Northern Province Minister Hon. Leonard Boyd Mbao, who boarded the return flight to Lusaka, hailed Proflight Zambia as a committed partner in regional development. “I want to thank Proflight Zambia for their partnership with Northern Province. I remember even before we had the standard airport, Proflight Zambia were already flying to Kasama. And now that we have a very nice airport, they are the first to introduce a bigger jet which is a very good development. We hope we continue with this partnership,” Hon. Mbao said.
Also, on board the flight from Lusaka to Kasama was Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba people, who welcomed the shift to jet services, noting the benefits for both travellers and investors. “I pay gratitude to the Zambian President for initiating this important development. Air travel lessens a lot of difficulties. It makes people reach their destination in a shorter period and carry out their transactions quickly. With the increase in the volume of passengers flying to Kasama, this is a major opening for development because we now have more investors coming in, unlike when they spent 12 hours on the road,” said Chief Chitimukulu.
Northern Province Judge in Charge Mathew Zulu echoed the sentiments: “The connectivity of Kasama to Lusaka makes it convenient for me to execute my work when I’m called upon to Lusaka for meetings or conferences. It gives me the efficiency to come back on time and continue executing my duties without being on the road for longer hours. It’s convenience and efficiency that this service brings to me.”
“We are very excited to operate the CRJ jet on this route. Our commitment remains to provide world-class air services while connecting local destinations and inspiring unforgettable journeys with comfort,” said Proflight Zambia’s Director of Flight Operations, Captain Josias Walubita.
The CRJ-200 will operate on Tuesdays from the end of September 2025, with an additional Thursday service introduced in November. “Sunday flights will continue to operate with the Jetstream 41. We are also pleased to announce that we will be increasing capacity on the Jetstream 41 on Sundays due to jet fuel now available in Kasama, thus there will no longer be a need to reduce seat sales to carry return fuel,” added Capt. Walubita.
The service not only strengthens connectivity for the region but also supports tourism to Northern Province, home to natural wonders such as Kalambo Falls, Chishimba Falls, and Lake Tanganyika. Passengers on board will also enjoy locally produced Kasama Coffee, part of Proflight Zambia’s effort to showcase local products.
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About Proflight Zambia
Proflight Zambia, established in 2005, is Zambia’s leading schedule airline. Operating from its base in Lusaka its domestic routes include Kalumbila, Kasama, Livingstone, Mansa, Mfuwe, Ndola, and Solwezi, with seasonal safari routes to Jeki/Royal airstrips in Lower Zambezi National Park. The airline’s regional flights to South Africa and Namibia operate between Lusaka and Johannesburg, Lusaka and Cape Town (via Livingstone), Livingstone and Cape Town direct, Lusaka and Windhoek (via Livingstone), and Livingstone and Windhoek direct.
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 five 50-seater Bombardier CRJ-200 jets, one Bombardier CRJ-100 parcel freighter jet, and five 29-seater Jetstream 41 turboprop aircraft.
More information is available at www.flyzambia.com
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