Proflight Zambia’s young commercial pilots Captain Besa Mumba and Kalenga Kamwendo have been recognised with Labour Day awards presented by President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

The acknowledgement of their hard work came as part of the nation’s celebrations in Lusaka on Tuesday.

The aviators were praised after shining as the country’s youngest professional pilots.

Proflight Zambia’s director of government and industry affairs, Captain Philip Lemba, said the recognition on Labour Day was a demonstration of the hard work and commitment they had put in.

“Proflight is happy to employ and give opportunities to professional and hardworking pilots like Besa and Kalenga,” he said.

“The pilots, who are still young, have proven themselves to be industrious and ready to handle our big jet aircrafts as first officer pilots.”

Proflight Zambia is determined to ensure its staff receive the very best working environment and knowledge in order to provide a better, efficient and more reliable service to international and local flyers.

Capt. Besa and Kalenga have become role models to upcoming Zambian pilots.

“The two started from the grassroots and have progressed to become successful pilots today. Their success has made them role models, and this does not end here – they still have a lot ahead of them to achieve,” added Captain Lemba.

Kalenga currently flies Jetstream aircraft on Proflight’s local destinations from Lusaka to Mfuwe, Lower Zambezi, Livingstone and Ndola.

Besa flies as a captain of the Cessna Caravan aircraft mostly on Lusaka to Kasama and Ndola to Kasama routes.

International Labour Day is celebrated annually as an official holiday all over the world to celebrate the accomplishments of workers. This year’s Zambian theme was: “Building partnerships for sustainable national development through decent job creation and social justice.”

Flying under the care of Zambia’s scheduled airline, Besa aged 22 years and Kalenga 23 years old, are part of the team of dedicated, hard-working professionals that is central to Proflight’s success. The two pilots have worked relentlessly to attain international standard capabilities and knowledge.

Upon receiving the award, Zambia’s youngest female Capt. Besa said: “I feel very honoured to be the recipient of an award of this calibre. To be recognised by the Ministry of Labour on such an important occasion is very humbling and exciting. More so to be handed this award by the President of the Republic of Zambia Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu is amazing.”

“To me, the hard-working young people and especially young Zambian girls who I know have the enthusiasm, but most importantly the will to make this country a better place through their dreams means that our goals are still valid and can be attained. Nothing is impossible and there are no limits,” she said firmly.

“Always believe in yourself. This is something I have stood by and know has the power to propel one to be driven and remain focussed in achieving your goals, because not even the sky is the limit.”

Zambia’s youngest female captain has flown over 1,000 hours.

The airline has been increasing its fleet and network across the region, bringing more opportunities for local pilots to reach new heights.

Proflight invests in its staff and is majority owned and operated by Zambian citizens. The airline employs more than 200 people, including ground staff, pilots and cabin crew. 

About Proflight Zambia

Proflight Zambia was established in 1991 and is Zambia’s leading scheduled airline. From its base in Lusaka its domestic routes include Livingstone, Mfuwe, Lower Zambezi, Kalabo, Ndola, Solwezi, Kasama, Ndola-Solwezi and Ndola-Kasama, and regional routes to Lilongwe in Malawi, and Durban in South Africa, Mfuwe-Lower Zambezi between June and October 2018.

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 a 50-seater Bombardier CRJ-100 jet, three 29-seater Jetstream 41 aircraft and two C208 Caravans.

More information is available at www.flyzambia.com.