Political Opposition to Air Namibia Revival Plans Sparks Economic Debate

Namibia’s SWAPO plans to revive Air Namibia have faced criticism from the opposition regarding economic practicality. The government previously liquidated the airline in 2021 after significant losses. As it attempts to implement this revival by 2025, many question the feasibility of such a move amid pressing socioeconomic issues.

The ruling South West African People’s Organisation (SWAPO) of Namibia faces opposition as it aims to revive the financially troubled Air Namibia. Criticism has surfaced from politicians, particularly from the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) represented by MP Maximalliant Katjimune, who argues that reviving the airline lacks economic sense and detracts from more pressing social issues.
Plans to bring Air Namibia back into operation were outlined in the SWAPO manifesto for the upcoming 2024 elections, detailing strategies to circumvent past failures. An endorsement from the Namibian cabinet integrated this plan into governmental policies, but implementation is scheduled for April 1, 2025, as reported by One Africa television.
The government had previously liquidated Air Namibia in March 2021 due to persistent losses, having invested NAD9 billion (approximately USD495 million) over the last decade to rescue the airline. Efforts by a South African logistics broker to acquire the bankrupt entity in September 2022 were unsuccessful.
In December 2022, SWAPO’s national congress instructed the government to focus on reviving Air Namibia to enhance regional connectivity and attract tourists. The late President Hage Geingob even engaged with Ethiopian Airlines regarding potential collaborative solutions, with Emirates expressing interest. Meanwhile, attempts to replace the failed national carrier were made by startup Fly Etosha, which did not succeed.
Currently, the only Namibian-based scheduled passenger airline is FlyNamibia, which is primarily owned by Westair Aviation and partially by Airlink of South Africa. This airline operates a fleet of E135/E145 aircraft leased from Westair, highlighting the challenges of reviving a national competitor under the current circumstances.

In summary, the revival of Air Namibia is met with significant political and economic opposition. Critics, including MP Maximalliant Katjimune, argue against prioritizing the airline in light of pressing socioeconomic needs. While SWAPO seeks to implement its strategy by 2025, the historical context of Air Namibia’s failures raises questions about the feasibility and necessity of such plans. Furthermore, the current scheduling capabilities of FlyNamibia emphasize the challenges of entering a competitive market.

Original Source: www.ch-aviation.com