When the Cabinet recently announced the launch of a new national carrier under the name Namibia Air, it marked a bold and welcome move by the administration of President Netumbo Nandi‑Ndaitwah and her team. At a time when national symbols matter more than ever, the decision sends a signal that Namibia intends to reclaim pride of place in the skies.
The return of our national airline taps into something deeply Namibian: the idea of connection, of our country being visible in global skies, of our citizens and stories being carried across continents. That ambition deserves applause. It is a sign that this government understands national branding matters; that an airline is more than transport, it is part of our identity.
The speed with which this initiative has been advanced is noteworthy. Within months the government has moved from talk to action: feasibility studies, expressions of interest and the declaration of intent to establish a truly new carrier rather than simply resurrecting the old one. That tells us the administration is treating this not as a distant dream but as a tangible project.
Yet for all the praise, we must couple optimism with due caution. The name “Namibia Air” raises questions. Among many Namibians there lingers the fond memory of Air Namibia, the national flag carrier until its liquidation in 2021. While the reasons for its collapse were well-documented – mounting losses, mismanagement and unsustainable bailouts – the emotional resonance of the name remains strong. Some will ask: why abandon the name that carries deep familiarity and sentimental value? A new airline is justified, reinventing the business model, governance, oversight and sustainability, but the brand legacy of “Air Namibia” had power.
There is also the matter of clarity. So far the government has been less than forthcoming about the name change rationale, about route networks, about fleet plans, about governance frameworks, and about how exactly the new carrier will avoid the pitfalls of its predecessor. The statement that “we are not reviving Air Namibia” is clear enough on one level but leaves many details blurred. And that is the risk: too much momentum and ambition without clearly defined guardrails could lead to disappointment. We must hope this isn’t simply a ‘ground-breaking ceremony’ rich in rhetoric but lacking in follow-through.
That said, the government deserves credit where credit is due. The decision to build the new airline “from the ground up”, to shift away from past governance failures, shows learning and progress. Minister Veikko Nekundi, in explaining that the new entity won’t bear the old name, emphasised that the collapse of Air Namibia was not a natural death but a failure of accountability and corporate discipline. If anchored in stronger governance, the new airline can become a genuine engine for tourism, regional connectivity and national pride.
Nonetheless, timing remains critical. Government documents indicate target launch dates between June and December 2026 for operations. That is still many months away, and in aviation, as in any infrastructure-heavy sector, the path from announcement to take-off is filled with hazards: capital requirements, regulatory approvals, aircraft leases or purchases, human‐resource development, market competition, and external shocks. Each step must be managed. The public rightly expects transparency: what are the routes? What is the business model? Who are the private partners? How will the airline be capitalised and governed? If these questions are not addressed, enthusiasm may fade.
On the naming issue: we suggest the government convene a national consultation, or at least a clearer communication campaign, explaining why “Namibia Air” was chosen over “Air Namibia”. Namibia Air is a stark reminder of ‘Namib Air’, which was clearly associated with the bygone era of apartheid. The nuance is important. If the new brand intentionally signals a fresh start, shedding legacy baggage, then fine, but Namibians will need assurance that the familiar symbol of the old name is not being discarded casually but for sound strategic reasons. The risk is alienating the loyal public who still remember the old carrier fondly and casting the new brand as culturally disconnected or confusingly similar to past entities.
Let us be clear: what matters most is not the name but the substance. A national airline that is efficient, reliable, financially sound, well‐governed, and proud of its Namibian identity will matter far more than subtle brand differences. But the brand is the first visible symbol. And every national‐pride project needs symbolism as well as substance. So naming matters.
In this respect, the administration of President Nandi-Ndaitwah deserves praise for acting decisively. They are showing that national ambition still matters. Too often in our history we have seen plans announced and then drift into limbo. Here, at least the first steps have been taken and the public is engaged. The establishment of a technical committee and expressions of interest from 16 local companies for involvement in the national airline project signals real engagement.
As this unfolds, we must maintain vigilant optimism. We should applaud the bold decision and the promise of renewed national pride in aviation, and at the same time we should hold the government to its word. That means clear timelines, meaningful participation of former aviation staff (including those from Air Namibia) who bring valuable experience, and transparent governance mechanisms. It means that “Namibia Air” will not just be a name change but a living, breathing entity that lifts our nation’s connectivity and image.
In summary: Namibia’s national airline revival is both a symbol and an opportunity. The administration has moved fast, and that is commendable. But as observers, as the Namibian public, we must ask for more than announcements. We must ask for substance, accountability and results. Let the name of the airline ultimately reflect not just national identity, but national success. Let us not settle for an opening ceremony and then wait years for the flights to begin.
The skies call for us. Let Namibia once again take flight, proudly, sustainably and visibly.
