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Proflight Zambia Expands Fleet with Fifth CRJ, Boosting Regional Connectivity Proflight Zambia Expands Fleet with Fifth CRJ, Boosting Regional Connectivity

Proflight Zambia proudly announces the arrival of its newest Bombardier CRJ regional jet, marking a significant milestone in the airline's fleet modernization and expansion strategy. This latest acquisition, the fifth passenger CRJ in Proflight's 2025 fleet, strengthens the airline's commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and providing seamless travel experiences across Southern Africa.

The new CRJ, registered N8884E, embarked on a transcontinental journey from Great Falls, Montana (GTF), USA, on June 21st. Its route spanned across Goose Bay (Canada), Reykjavik (Iceland), Prague (Czech Republic), Luxor (Egypt), and Nairobi (Kenya), before finally touching down at its new home, Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) in Lusaka, Zambia, on June 23rd.

This addition represents the seventh CRJ to join Proflight Zambia's fleet since 2014, underscoring the airline's ongoing investment in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. The airline aims to have the aircraft operational by July 31st, under the Zambian registration 9J-PFF. This strategic move aligns with Proflight Zambia's vision to become a leading regional carrier, offering enhanced services and broader route options for both business and leisure travelers.

Proflight Zambia's recent fleet expansion reflects a broader trend of growth within Zambia's aviation sector. The country's flight market revenue is projected to reach an impressive US\$41.05 million in 2025, with a strong annual growth rate anticipated through 2030. This positive trajectory underscores the industry's resilience and recovery post-pandemic.

Proflight Zambia plays a pivotal role in this resurgence, serving as a key driver of domestic and regional connectivity. The airline's expanded fleet, including the new CRJ, enables it to offer more frequent and efficient services to a growing network of destinations. This commitment to connectivity is crucial for Zambia's tourism sector, facilitating access to key attractions such as Victoria Falls and supporting the country's overall economic development.

Alongside Proflight Zambia, other domestic carriers like Zambia Airways are also contributing to the sector's expansion. Zambia Airways aims to significantly increase its passenger capacity by 2027, further strengthening Zambia's position as a regional aviation hub.

The growth of Zambia's aviation sector aligns with a wider trend of expansion across the African continent. Passenger traffic in Africa is experiencing a robust recovery, with numbers expected to reach pre-pandemic levels in the near future. This resurgence is fueled by increasing demand for both domestic and international travel, as well as ongoing investments in airport infrastructure and airline fleets.

Neighboring countries such as Mozambique and Kenya are also witnessing significant growth in their aviation sectors. Mozambique's passenger traffic has seen a substantial increase, driven by improvements in infrastructure at key tourist destinations. Similarly, Kenya's domestic airline capacity has expanded considerably, reflecting strong demand and network development.

These positive trends highlight the immense potential of Africa's aviation market. Regional initiatives like the Single African Air Market (SAAM) aim to further enhance connectivity and reduce barriers to travel within the continent. This collaborative approach is expected to unlock new opportunities for airlines, travel agents, and other stakeholders, contributing to the overall economic growth and development of the region.