Shilimela forks out N$2m a month on helicopters

ILENI NANDJATO OSHIGAMBO A northern businessman says there's nothing fancy to owning a helicopter, apart from forking out large amounts of money every month.On average, it costs Banda Shilimela, one of the most successful business personalities in Namibia, N$2 million every month to maintain the four helicopters he owns. To reduce costs, he has created a parking facility for the aircraft at his Oshigambo village homestead in the Oshikoto Region. Go highShilimela heads a group of 39 companies that operate in five countries.“I am a successful businessman and the only one from northern Namibia operating in the aviation sector. “For one to be successful, you have to work with experts, because the aviation is a new industry for blacks. This is not because I am underestimating myself, only that ever since, I want to go high,” he said.The businessman, who owns four helicopters - three in Namibia and one in the Democratic Republic of Congo, said his aircraft are mostly used for security services.“But [they] can also be hired for other services, especially in the farming sector,” he added. Big bucksShilimela said to own a helicopter, one must have money, because they are costly.“Aviation is not a business for everyone because the costs involved are very high. On average, I spend N$500 000 on each helicopter per month. That is for landing, pilots, fuel and other maintenance,” he said.“When I bought my first helicopter some years ago, I used to park it at my building at Oniipa, but this was not in line with the aviation regulations and we moved it to the airport. “The civil aviation regulations are tough and many will not survive because one has to adhere to them, and it means one has to spend money.” Private airstripAccording to the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), private airstrips can be established anywhere and do not require approval. However, they need to be registered. The NCAA added there are over 300 private airstrips in the Oshana, Oshikoto, Omusati and Ohangwena regions.Shilimela said to use public airports, one has to pay a lot of money to land, park and take off, adding that establishing a private airstrip requires one to work with industry experts.

Shilimela forks out N$2m a month on helicopters

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Namibian Sun 2026-04-09

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Shilimela forks out N$2m a month on helicopters

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Namibian Sun 2026-04-09

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