29 Apr 2024

Maun International Airport has been identified as the nerve-centre of Botswana’s tourism and aviation industry.

Presenting on “improving air connectivity” at the 2024 HATAB annual conference in Maun last week, Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) CEO, Dr Bao Mosinyi, said international airlines had shown an interest in expanding their operations to Botswana and that Maun was strategically placed as a connection destination with the rest of the world.

He also noted that improving air connectivity was aligned to the country’s Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) strategy which seeks to position Botswana as a destination of choice for meetings and conferences as well as sustainable development in the tourism sector.

He said opening Botswana skies for new airlines would facilitate easier access for tourists and world travellers who frequented the Okavango Delta while stimulating economic growth.

Dr Mosinyi said they had certified Sir Seretse Khama International airport and Maun International Airport in order to strengthen the country’s  international rating, adding that Kasane airport and Philip Matante airport in Francistown would also be certified.

He said it was critical to ensure that the country’s airports and skies were safe before inviting the rest of the world to fly to Botswana.

Dr Mosinyi revealed that the average rating of aviation in Africa was 57 per cent and 61 per cent for the whole world.

However, he noted that Botswana scored just over 80 per cent in the last audit by international experts.

He said they strived to be in the upper class of the world in the aviation industry, and that it was their selling to the rest of the world when they invited them to fly “in our skies.”

The CEO also revealed that a new international standard lounge would be opened in Maun in June when Ethiopian Airlines starts their new route to Maun.

He said the airport required a transformation to suit the needs of high- end commercial travellers and tourists as well as to meet the requirements of air travel dynamics that prompted people to spend their money at airports.

He added that Maun was a unique destination that welcomed high-end travellers with lots of money and were willing to spend when they landed at the airport. ENDS