By John Chola

Proflight Zambia is set to enhance its scheduled flight services with the recent delivery of its sixth 50-seater Bombardier CRJ-200 passenger jet, further solidifying its commitment to improving connectivity across the nation.

The new aircraft, leased from Alberta Aviation Capital Corporation, arrived on June 23 under the American registration N8884E and is expected to transition to the Zambian register as 9J-PFF by end of tomorrow.

With this latest addition, Proflight Zambia says it aims to strengthen its network capacity and optimize service on existing routes, excluding Mansa and Lower Zambezi.

“The latest CRJ jet is part of our ongoing efforts to reinforce our existing network,” stated Capt. Josias Walubita, Proflight Zambia’s Director of Flight Operations. “By increasing frequency on routes that are already performing well and currently constrained by capacity, we’re able to better meet customer demand and enhance connectivity.”

The integration of the CRJ-200 into Proflight’s fleet which now boasts a total of 11 aircraft including five CRJ-200 jets, five Jetstream 41 turboprops, and one CRJ-100 parcel freighter reflects the airline’s strategic approach toward fleet management.

The arrival of this aircraft follows the company’s earlier acquisition of a Jetstream 41 turboprop in May 2025.

Capt. Walubita emphasized the advantages of consolidating around proven aircraft types, stating that it not only streamlines operations and reduces costs but also enhances in-house engineering and maintenance capabilities.

“Maintaining and operating the same aircraft models has improved our dispatch reliability and maintenance efficiency,” he noted.

This operational strategy allows Proflight’s engineers to expand their expertise while fostering a collaborative team environment, critical for the organization’s stability.

The newly acquired CRJ-200 is equipped to cruise at speeds of up to 860 km/h, making it an optimal choice for bridging regional and domestic distances swiftly and comfortably.

Its impressive combination of speed, capacity, and runway performance addresses the needs of Southern Africa’s evolving yet sometimes infrastructure-challenged markets, ensuring safety, efficiency, and passenger comfort.

While Proflight Zambia does not currently plan further fleet expansion, the airline is continuously evaluating opportunities to strategically grow its regional and domestic networks.

The primary focus remains on optimizing the existing route structure, minimizing operational bottlenecks, and ensuring resources are aligned with customer needs.

Capt. Walubita said this commitment positions Proflight Zambia for sustained growth in both customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

As Proflight Zambia takes these steps forward, the airline not only reaffirms its role as a key player in the Zambian aviation sector but also highlights its dedication to enhancing travel options for its passengers.