Staff Reporter
THE Ministry of Works and Transport has reached a significant milestone in the advancement of Namibia’s aviation sector with the official handover of Air Service Licences to Namibia Air, clearing a critical path toward the establishment of the country’s new national carrier.
The licences were formally presented to the Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi, by the Chairperson of the Transportation Commission of Namibia, Commissioner Joshua Kaumbi. This followed the Commission’s approval of Namibia Air’s applications for both scheduled and non-scheduled air service licences, as provided for under the Air Services Act.
Commissioner Kaumbi noted that, following a thorough review of the applications and in the absence of any objections as prescribed by law, the Commission was satisfied that Namibia Air had fulfilled all requirements for the granting of the licences. He described the approval as a pivotal moment in restoring Namibia’s national flag carrier, one that holds the potential to strengthen regional connectivity, bolster tourism and trade, generate employment, and contribute meaningfully to national economic growth.
Receiving the licences on behalf of Namibia Air, Interim Board Chairperson Jonas Sheelongo hailed the achievement as the culmination of months of meticulous planning and collaborative effort. He reiterated the Board’s steadfast commitment to establishing an airline that is safe, sustainable, and commercially viable. Sheelongo further noted that the immediate next step is to secure an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), which is essential before the airline can commence commercial operations.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister Nekundi extended his congratulations to the Transportation Commission, the Interim Board, and all stakeholders who contributed to this milestone. He stressed that while the granting of the air service licences marks a vital first phase, it is imperative that all regulatory, safety, and operational standards continue to be rigorously met as the project advances.
The handover of these licences underscores Namibia’s steady progress toward re-establishing a national carrier that will not only enhance aviation connectivity but also serve as a key driver in realising the country’s broader economic development goals.
CLOSER TO TAKE-OFF: Namibia Air has received its Air Service Licences, marking a key milestone in the establishment of Namibia’s new national carrier. The approval by the Transportation Commission of Namibia paves the way for the next phase of development, with the airline now set to pursue its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and fulfil remaining regulatory, safety and operational requirements before commencing commercial operations. Photo: Ministry of Works and Transport, Namibia
