Picture credit: Zambia Airports Corporation Limited
Zambia’s airports have recovered from their biggest fall in passenger numbers and are above pre-pandemic levels, says Josiah Mvula, Planning and Business Development Manager at Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL).
The pandemic caused passenger numbers to fall to their lowest in 20 years in 2020 then recovering strongly.
Passenger traffic was 98% of pre-pandemic levels by early 2023 and had surpassed them by mid-2024.
Looking back at progress this year, Mvula said that passenger traffic was up 20% in the first quarter compared to last year and 119% of pre-pandemic levels.
The outlook for domestic and international passengers is positive, says Mvula, saying, “By the end of 2024 and into 2025, ZACL anticipates further recovery and growth, potentially surpassing pre-pandemic levels, especially with new routes already announced, increased airline activities and potential new routes in 2025.”
Cargo operations declined with an 8% drop in cargo and mail volumes to 3,987 tonnes in the first quarter.
Passenger numbers have benefited from travel restrictions getting relaxed and Zambia expanding the list of countries exempt from visa to European Union countries, Gulf states, the UK, USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, China and Norway.
Mvula said: “This has continued to stimulate traffic as bottlenecks to enter the country have reduced.”
To handle rising passenger numbers, Zambia’s airports have upgraded ground and ramp operations.
Inside, the airports have installed self-check-in kiosks and systems such as SITA Cute & Cuss and Baggage Reconciliation Systems have streamlined passenger handling processes.
Services have been expanded to include ground support from facilitating landing permits to VIPs and crew handling.
For the greenfield Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola, ZACL invested heavily in GSE including air starter units, apron buses, fire tenders pushbacks, GPUs and other equipment.
Mvula said: “These investments have enhanced operational safety and efficiency, allowing ZACL to handle a wider range of aircraft and improve turnaround times at our airport.”
At Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, equipment including highloaders and air starter units have been received and other equipment will be delivered later this year.
ZACL gives its ground handling staff focusing on technical skills and customer service including customer and flight management, highloader and pushback operations, turnaround coordination, marshalling, aerobridge operations and mandatory training in SMS, DGR, human factor, airside safety and aviation security.
Mvula said training programmes are regularly updated to keep pace with industry standards and technological advancements.
He said: “ZACL has managed to attract and retain talent due to factors such as offering competitive salaries and career development opportunities for staff. ZACL also has improved retention strategies and employee engagement initiatives.”
African aviation is poised for growth with increasing economic activity and tourism potential, and ZACL wants to assist by providing the necessary airport infrastructure, improving service quality and fostering regional connectivity. Zambia is also committed to implementing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
Mvula said: “By positioning Zambia as a key aviation hub in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, ZACL aims to contribute to the broader development of African aviation.”
This article was published in the October 2024 issue of Ground Handling International, click here to read the digital edition and click here to subscribe.
