Govt advances plans for new national airline

Government plans to establish a new national airline are progressing, with a feasibility study completed and currently under review. This was revealed by works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi in the National Assembly on Thursday, while he was responding to questions from Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Nelson Kalangula on the proposed revival of a national carrier. Nekundi said the government had budgeted about N$20 million for the feasibility study, but less than 4% of that amount has been spent so far. He declined to disclose further details, saying the aviation industry is highly competitive and strategic, making it inappropriate to reveal sensitive information at this stage. “I can confirm that the feasibility study is done and is now under review,” he said. According to the minister, the study was conducted during the current financial year by an inter-ministerial team of experts. The committee includes three aviation specialists with a combined industry experience of more than 50 years, as well as legal, transport, economics and governance experts. Nekundi further confirmed that a steering committee has been established to drive the process. It comprises representatives from the Ministry of Works and Transport, Ministry of Finance, Office of the Attorney General, Namibia Airports Company, Namibia Civil Aviation Authority, aviation industry experts and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board. He said progress is being made and assured the nation that updates on the proposed airline will be provided at an appropriate time. Kalangula, however, questioned the lack of detail, saying the government should substantiate the project’s feasibility given the funds allocated to the study. The post Govt advances plans for new national airline appeared first on The Namibian .