WINDHOEK – Scores of Namibians from all walks of life turned out at Hosea Kutako International Airport yesterday to welcome the new, twin-aisle Airbus A330-200 of Air Namibia.
The new aircraft that made its maiden trip to Windhoek from Frankfurt is one of two planes being leased by Air Namibia from U.S. lessor company Intrepid Aviation in a deal that will save the national airline N$8.5 million per month in fuel costs.
Together it brought celebrations as a result of the excellent European partnership involving France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain.
Speaking at the delivery ceremony of the first of the two Airbus A330-200 aircraft, the Deputy Minister of Works and Transport, Killus Nguvauva, said with the huge investment made to acquire the Airbus A330-200, the government and the people of the country are vigorously watching and following whatever is happening at Air Namibia, and they want to see tangible results.
He said air transport is an important driver and enabler of the socio-economic development of a country through facilitating trade and tourism.
“I wish to remind management and staff of Air Namibia that you are operating in a highly competitive industry, and while we acknowledge that you face various challenges, there is an expectation from the shareholder and the nation that you manage this institution prudently and diligently, and that you will attain and fulfill the objectives and goals for which Air Namibia was established,” said Nguvauva.
Among the invited guests were Vincent Tchengang, Airbus sales director, Hadi Akoum, Airbus vice-president sales for Africa and Tomas Schmidt from Intrepid Aviation.
Nguvauva said he was pleased to see many stakeholders present at the ceremony as the business of the national airliner requires partnerships and shared responsibilities between key players. “It is through forcing such partnerships with key aircraft manufacturers, that our national airline will be able to continue growing its business,”he added.
German Ambassador accredited to Namibia, Onno Huckmann, said he hoped the new Airbus acquisition would significantly contribute to the strengthening of Air Namibia and its improved economic performance.
“With the help of its skilled crew, may this plane cover millions of air miles in future and transport countless passengers safely from one continent to another. May this Airbus A330-200 be blessed and always have a smooth landing,” he gave his blessings.
French Ambassador to Namibia Jacqueline Bassa-Mazzoni said Air Namibia with its four Airbus 319 aircraft and the new Airbus A330-200 is already one of the most modern companies in Southern Africa. “Not only because Air Namibia and Airbus have established a very good relationship, but the new aircraft reflect the ongoing concerns of the Namibian authorities of modernizing its fleet and reinforcing the security of its passengers,” she said.
By Fifi Rhodes