He said the airline was facing operational challenges due to under-capitalisation and loss of skilled manpower to the so-called “greener pastures”.
In recent months the national airline has lost most of its regional passengers and locals to other airlines due to delays in the take-off time and failure to stick to scheduled times.
Chikumba admitted that all was not rosy but was optimistic that the current problems would be addressed as stakeholders, including the government and board of directors, were aware of the challenges.
“We need in the region of US$100million to meet the current operations and to meet the anticipated 2010 demands. We have two airliners doing long haul trips,” he said.
The company was retraining its staff at a technical level and in general to have a common vision of bringing the best out of what is available.
“Some pilots are undergoing training using the China-made MA60, who then will graduate into long haul flights in the near future,” he said.
Post published in: Economy