Increasing Namibia’s air connectivity
Aviation sector paves the way for growth
The Air Connect Namibia Project aims to increase direct air access between the region and international markets through the establishment of new routes, among other goals.
The Air Connect Namibia Project has been launched with the aim of reimagining the aviation sector and developing new markets for Namibia.
A Memorandum of Understanding on the Air Connect Namibia Project was signed yesterday.
The agreement was signed by Namibia Airports Company (NAC), the City of Windhoek, the Walvis Bay Corridor Group, Gondwana Collection, the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board.
Better access
NAC CEO Bisey /Uirab said the purpose of the project is to increase direct air access in and out of Namibia to the rest of the world, particularly via its international airports, with an initial focus on the Hosea Kutako International Airport.
He said the project aims to improve the country’s competitiveness and support growth sectors, making it a stronger tourism and business location for foreign direct investment, stimulating economic growth and creating jobs.
“It aims to do this by increasing direct air access between the region and international markets through the establishment of new routes while retaining our existing partnerships at the airport.”
/Uirab said the aviation industry is a driver of Namibia’s economic activity.
“We as a country are at a point where we are really confident about economic growth, with the discovery of oil, the development of green hydrogen and the development of gas fields.”
He said all these initiatives would need the transport sector to ensure travellers could easily reach Namibia.
/Uirab said they will also look at the visa environment to make it easier for travellers while making sure that safety and security at entry points are not compromised.
Connecting Namibia
The Air Connect Namibia Project derives from the Namibia Aviation and Connectivity Forum held in November 2022.
The forum was held to re-imagine the Namibian aviation sector as one that contributes to the country’s economic development and growth.
Air Service Development was identified as playing a significant role in the development and re-imagining of the sector.
According to /Uirab, target markets and carriers were identified in 2022, with initial carrier engagements taking place at Routes World 2022.
During Routes World 2022, data-led business cases were developed for engagement with carriers servicing the United Arab Emirates, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Qatar, Ethiopia and Turkey.
Quest to diversify
Acting CEO of NTB, Bonnie Mbidzo, said about 14.5% of Namibia’s GDP is derived from tourism.
“In our quest to diversify, we need air connectivity to Namibia, we need to look into other markets.”
He said connectivity to new markets has been a problem.
Deputy executive director at the transport ministry, Cedric Limbo, said Namibia wants to become a logistical hub for SADC.
“This will not happen by chance, except through initiatives such as this.”
He stressed that Namibia should not only focus on traditional markets but also unlock new markets.
“We have now successfully been able to look at the Far East, Europe and most of the African countries to ensure that connectivity is a reality.”
A Memorandum of Understanding on the Air Connect Namibia Project was signed yesterday.
The agreement was signed by Namibia Airports Company (NAC), the City of Windhoek, the Walvis Bay Corridor Group, Gondwana Collection, the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board.
Better access
NAC CEO Bisey /Uirab said the purpose of the project is to increase direct air access in and out of Namibia to the rest of the world, particularly via its international airports, with an initial focus on the Hosea Kutako International Airport.
He said the project aims to improve the country’s competitiveness and support growth sectors, making it a stronger tourism and business location for foreign direct investment, stimulating economic growth and creating jobs.
“It aims to do this by increasing direct air access between the region and international markets through the establishment of new routes while retaining our existing partnerships at the airport.”
/Uirab said the aviation industry is a driver of Namibia’s economic activity.
“We as a country are at a point where we are really confident about economic growth, with the discovery of oil, the development of green hydrogen and the development of gas fields.”
He said all these initiatives would need the transport sector to ensure travellers could easily reach Namibia.
/Uirab said they will also look at the visa environment to make it easier for travellers while making sure that safety and security at entry points are not compromised.
Connecting Namibia
The Air Connect Namibia Project derives from the Namibia Aviation and Connectivity Forum held in November 2022.
The forum was held to re-imagine the Namibian aviation sector as one that contributes to the country’s economic development and growth.
Air Service Development was identified as playing a significant role in the development and re-imagining of the sector.
According to /Uirab, target markets and carriers were identified in 2022, with initial carrier engagements taking place at Routes World 2022.
During Routes World 2022, data-led business cases were developed for engagement with carriers servicing the United Arab Emirates, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Qatar, Ethiopia and Turkey.
Quest to diversify
Acting CEO of NTB, Bonnie Mbidzo, said about 14.5% of Namibia’s GDP is derived from tourism.
“In our quest to diversify, we need air connectivity to Namibia, we need to look into other markets.”
He said connectivity to new markets has been a problem.
Deputy executive director at the transport ministry, Cedric Limbo, said Namibia wants to become a logistical hub for SADC.
“This will not happen by chance, except through initiatives such as this.”
He stressed that Namibia should not only focus on traditional markets but also unlock new markets.
“We have now successfully been able to look at the Far East, Europe and most of the African countries to ensure that connectivity is a reality.”
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article