WHEN THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA, formerly the British Protectorate of Bechuanaland, emerged as an independent nation in 1966, few could have imagined that one of the poorest countries in the world would develop so quickly into the African jewel that it is today.

Botswana is rated highly for its democratic traditions, its robust economy, its sound and transparent administration, and its outstanding natural attractions. And Air Botswana has been part of it all. The national carrier has contributed fully to the phenomenal growth of the country that it serves well, and in so doing has built a wide reputation for quality air services that is quite disproportionate to its modest size.

Civil aviation is a key barometer of national development. A country’s ability to provide reliable air services and to handle air travellers safely and efficiently is essential for its full membership of the international community.

Air Botswana is based at Sir Seretse Khama Airport, Gaborone. It is a domestic and regional carrier, operating and maintaining a modern fleet of turbopropeller aircraft from the noted French- Italian manufacturer ATR. The airline operates two new 68-seat ATR 72-500 aircraft and three smaller 47-seat ATR42-500s.

Mindful of its responsibilities at home, the airline takes the convenience of air transport as widely as possible within Botswana, while also serving vital markets outside the country. The domestic route network links Gaborone with Francistown, Botswana’s second city, and with Maun, on the edge of the great Okavango Delta, and Kasane, gateway to Chobe River and National Park on the northern border with Namibia.

Regional destinations are Johannesburg, Harare and Lusaka. Air Botswana also operates between Gaborone and Nairobi in code-share joint services with Kenya Airways, and is developing initiatives with other carriers to extend the route network to more African destinations.

The timetable is closely attentive to the needs of the business and leisure traveller, and is also designed in full support of the important and growing tourism industry. Botswana is an outstanding destination, with unique natural attractions that draw visitors from all over the world. Tourism is the country’s second largest revenue earner after mining.

 
Tourists arriving in Johannesburg on long-haul flights transfer readily to Air Botswana services for their onward flight direct to the Okavango, the largest inland delta on earth, or direct to Kasane if they are bound for Chobe National Park – two of the premier tourism destinations in Africa.

In another major development – and a first in the country – the airline successfully implemented electronic commerce technology, giving passengers the convenience of booking and paying for their tickets over the Internet. This highly significant move linked Air Botswana into the very heart of the global travel industry, where e-commerce is widely used and is a key way of doing business.

The national airline’s operations and initiatives are fully in step with Vision 2016, the aspirational blueprint for Botswana after half a century of sovereign nationhood.

With an eye to the future, Botswana is energetically upgrading its aviation capacity, under the wing of the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana and with the full backing of Government.

Construction of the first phase of the spacious new terminal, and major runway extension, at Sir Seretse Khama Airport is complete, enhancing Gaborone as an attractive regional aviation hub. Airport terminal building and runway projects are also taking place in Francistown, Maun and Kasane, so that these important centres can receive larger aircraft and handle more passengers.

For its part, Air Botswana is committed to continuing to provide world-class services to domestic travellers and to visitors who come to do business in a vibrant economy, and as tourists to experience the unique natural attractions with which Botswana is so richly blessed.