Allexer Namundjembo
Namibia Air has been approved as the name for the country’s new national airline.
Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi said Cabinet has endorsed the name and that the airline will be established as Namibia Air (Pty) Ltd under the Companies Act.
Nekundi said the airline will be fully owned by the Namibian government.
He said the decision follows a policy directive by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and that work to set up the airline is already underway.
A technical committee of local aviation experts has been appointed to guide the process and ensure long-term sustainability and financial viability.
“The process has already been laid out successfully, but at this moment what is paramount to inform you and the public is that Cabinet has approved the name of the national airline, which must then be registered through this committee as interim directors or board,” Nekundi said this week.
He said the airline’s logo will be chosen through a national competition.
“Our target is really in the next financial year. If everything goes according to plan, we want to see that the equipment is in our timeline. So far, we are on target and things are moving as planned,” he said.
The government is also in talks with potential strategic partners among major global airlines to ensure Namibia Air becomes competitive and sustainable.
“We are still looking at strategic partners from very well-renowned and successful airlines in the world. Once we have a successful partner, we will then dilute or change the shareholder structures. Obviously, Namibia is to have a greater interest in this very important national project,” he said.
The establishment of Namibia Air follows the liquidation of Air Namibia in 2021.
Air Namibia was shut down after years of financial losses and reliance on government bailouts.
When it ceased operations on 11 February 2021, the airline employed more than 600 staff members and carried liabilities of nearly N$5.4 billion, against assets of just over N$1 billion.
Some former employees are still seeking outstanding severance packages and benefits.
“The lessons from Air Namibia have been taken seriously,” he said. The new airline will be structured to operate on sound commercial principles while maintaining national ownership and pride.”
