Ethiopia tasked to revive Air Namibia

ADDIS ABABA - Ethiopian Airlines will play an important role in revamping Air Namibia, President Hage Geingob has said, following a meeting with top executives from Ethiopia's national carrier which has expanded territories and fortunes across the continent in what is associated with robust management.

Air Namibia commonly known as Windhoek International was liquidated in 2021 and since then, the government of Namibia has been looking for ways of revamping it. The country now depends on neighboring states like South Africa for air transport.

During the recently concluded African Union's 36th Ordinary Session, Geingob approached Ethiopian Airlines chairman
Girma Wake, and Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew in Addis Ababa where they extensively discussed the matter. Hengari said the meeting had been “prospective”. Geingob had highlighted a roadmap to revive the airline.

During his address at the AU summit, Geingob also reiterated the sentiment of the ruling South West Africa People's Organisation [SWAPO] that Namibia needed a national airline. He said a clear plan would be tabled at Cabinet-level for decision-making and operationalisation.

Hengari said: “The relevant ministries will lead the process. Ethiopian Airlines expressed an interest in cooperating with Namibia in that endeavour, but it does not imply that a decision has been taken to work with Ethiopian Airlines.”

According to him, the government is not limiting its search on Ethiopian Airlines, adding that they are also reaching out to Emirates and other carriers for revival process. He noted that the collapse of Air Namibia has come with numerous lessons following decades of mismanagement.

Asked whether the new Air Namibia would employ new staff or recruit former employees, Hengari said the government was “not yet at that point”. “That's like putting the cart before the horse because the issue is still nascent," he said.

Ethiopian Airlines has a long-term strategy to establish multiple hubs in Africa and develop an extensive route network on the continent. To this end, it has already established several joint venture airlines, including Nigeria Air [currently on hold due to a legal challenge], Air Congo, ASKY Airlines, Zambia Airways, and Malawi Airlines.

The Ethiopian Airlines has been cruising African skies for decades and is considered as the most profitable of all companies in recent months. The government of Ethiopia has religiously guarded the national treasure despite allegations of supplying weapons used in Tigray massacre.

GAROWE ONLINE