Lusaka, Livingstone and South Luangwa Come Under Global Aviation Spotlight as Proflight Zambia Expands Fleet to Nine Jetstream 41 Aircraft, Unlocking New Safari and Regional Travel Opportunities, but Could This Transform Southern African Tourism?

Written By: Abhirup Gan

Abhirup Gan

I'm Abhirup Gan, a Mass Communication graduate and digital marketing professional. Driven by a passion for storytelling, I create insightful, research-led content that explores tourism trends, destination stories, and hospitality developments with depth and clarity. Through my writing, I hope to inspire readers to discover not only where to travel, but the stories, cultures, and experiences that make every journey meaningful.

See Full Bio

July 16, 2026 13:17 GMT+5:30

Image generated with Ai

Zambia is strengthening its position on Southern Africa’s tourism map as Proflight Zambia prepares one of the region’s most significant regional fleet expansions of the year. The Lusaka-based airline has signed a letter of intent to acquire three BAe Jetstream 41 turboprop aircraft previously operated by the now-insolvent Eastern Airways (UK). Once completed, the acquisition will increase Proflight’s Jetstream 41 fleet from six to nine aircraft, creating new opportunities for domestic tourism, safari travel and regional connectivity across Zambia and neighbouring countries.

For travellers, this is more than an airline fleet story. It is about making some of Southern Africa’s most spectacular destinations easier to reach, improving flight frequency and expanding access to wildlife reserves, business centres and emerging tourism markets.

A Bigger Fleet Could Mean Better Tourism Connectivity

Proflight Zambia has built its domestic network around the 29-seat Jetstream 41, an aircraft well suited to shorter regional routes and airports where larger aircraft may not be commercially viable.

By adding three more aircraft, the airline gains greater flexibility to increase flight frequencies, improve operational reliability and potentially introduce new destinations across Zambia.

For visitors, improved connectivity often translates into shorter travel times, more itinerary options and easier access to destinations that previously required lengthy road journeys.

The expansion also strengthens Zambia’s growing reputation as a safari destination capable of supporting independent travellers, tour operators and international holiday packages.

Livingstone Could Benefit from Increased Capacity

One of the destinations expected to benefit from stronger regional connectivity is Livingstone, Zambia’s tourism capital and gateway to Victoria Falls.

Located approximately 10 kilometres from Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, Livingstone attracts visitors from around the world seeking one of Africa’s most famous natural attractions.

The city also offers adventure activities including white-water rafting, helicopter flights, river cruises and wildlife experiences within nearby national parks.

Accommodation ranges from luxury riverside lodges and international hotels to boutique guesthouses and budget stays, while supermarkets, cafés and restaurants remain conveniently located throughout the town.

South Luangwa Remains One of Africa’s Premier Safari Destinations

Improved regional flights could also strengthen tourism to South Luangwa National Park, one of Zambia’s best-known wildlife destinations.

Visitors typically arrive through Mfuwe Airport, located approximately 30 kilometres from many of the park’s safari lodges.

The national park is internationally recognised for its walking safaris, abundant wildlife, birdwatching opportunities and luxury safari camps.

Improved domestic air services make multi-destination itineraries more practical for travellers combining Lusaka, Livingstone and South Luangwa within a single holiday.

Lusaka Continues as Zambia’s Aviation Hub

Most international visitors begin their journey in Lusaka, where Kenneth Kaunda International Airport serves as the country’s principal gateway.

Situated approximately 27 kilometres northeast of the city centre, the airport connects Zambia with destinations across Africa and beyond.

Visitors can explore attractions including the Lusaka National Museum, bustling local markets and nearby wildlife reserves before continuing to other regions through Proflight’s domestic network.

Lusaka also offers a wide selection of international hotels, serviced apartments, shopping centres and supermarkets, making it a convenient starting point for longer itineraries.

Better Regional Links Support Multi-Country Tourism

Could this fleet expansion reshape regional travel?

With additional aircraft, Proflight may have greater flexibility to strengthen links not only within Zambia but also to neighbouring countries including Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, subject to regulatory approvals and commercial planning.

For international tour operators, stronger regional aviation creates new opportunities to combine Victoria Falls, safari experiences and cultural destinations into seamless multi-country packages.

This growing connectivity supports Southern Africa’s wider tourism ambitions by reducing travel times between key attractions.

Business Travel Also Stands to Benefit

Tourism is only part of the story.

Zambia’s mining, agriculture and manufacturing sectors rely heavily on dependable regional air services connecting Lusaka, Ndola, Solwezi, Kasama and the Copperbelt.

An expanded fleet enables Proflight to improve scheduling flexibility while maintaining services to destinations that support both tourism and business travel.

This dual role strengthens the airline’s position within Zambia’s wider transport network.

Why Second-Hand Aircraft Matter

Rather than investing in expensive new aircraft, Proflight has chosen to expand using proven regional turboprops that match the operational needs of many African routes.

The Jetstream 41 is recognised for operating efficiently on shorter runways while providing economical services on routes with lower passenger volumes.

For regional airlines, carefully selected second-hand aircraft can offer faster capacity growth while supporting financially sustainable expansion.

This approach allows carriers to respond more quickly to increasing travel demand without waiting years for new aircraft deliveries.

What Travellers Can Expect

Although the acquisition remains subject to regulatory approvals and final completion, travellers may benefit from additional flight options, improved scheduling and expanded regional connectivity as the aircraft enter service.

Tour operators, safari companies and travel agencies are also expected to gain greater flexibility when planning itineraries across Zambia.

For visitors exploring Southern Africa, stronger domestic aviation can make combining multiple destinations within a single holiday significantly easier.

Key Stats

• Proflight Zambia plans to increase its Jetstream 41 fleet from six to nine aircraft.
• Each Jetstream 41 accommodates approximately 29 passengers.
• Kenneth Kaunda International Airport is approximately 27 km from central Lusaka.
• Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport is approximately 10 km from Livingstone.
• Mfuwe Airport is around 30 km from many South Luangwa safari lodges.
• Proflight began scheduled passenger operations in 2005 after being founded in 1991.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Proflight expanding its fleet?
The airline aims to improve regional connectivity, increase operational flexibility and support future route growth.

Which tourism destinations could benefit?
Livingstone, South Luangwa National Park, Lusaka, Ndola, Kasama and Solwezi are among the destinations that could see stronger connectivity.

Will this affect safari tourism?
Additional aircraft could improve access to Zambia’s safari destinations, making itineraries more flexible for travellers and tour operators.

Timeline and Events

1991 – Proflight Zambia is founded as a family-run charter airline.

2005 – The airline launches scheduled passenger services.

2026 – Proflight signs a letter of intent to acquire three former Eastern Airways Jetstream 41 aircraft, expanding its fleet to nine aircraft, subject to regulatory approvals.

Conclusion

Proflight Zambia’s planned fleet expansion represents more than an aviation milestone—it signals growing confidence in Zambia’s tourism and regional travel potential. By increasing its fleet of Jetstream 41 aircraft, the airline is positioning itself to strengthen links between Lusaka, Livingstone, South Luangwa and other key destinations while supporting both safari tourism and business travel. As regulatory approvals progress and the additional aircraft enter service, improved connectivity could make Zambia an even more attractive destination for international travellers seeking wildlife, adventure and multi-country Southern African experiences.