30 Nov 2014

The national airliner, Air Botswana, has pleaded with its customers in Francistown to be understanding after changes to its routes network and schedule.

The airline’s commercial director, Mr Joe Motse said this when officiating at an event to mark the opening of their revamped located at Galo Mall.

He stated that though many stakeholders were perturbed by the schedule rationalisation, they were working around the clock with shareholders to normalise things.

Mr Motse said though the reduction in schedule was uncomfortable, it was necessary if the airline was to drive revenues, manage and contain costs, increase efficiency and productivity as well as allocate appropriate resources in all business areas to optimise revenues.

In addition, he noted that as part of the new business strategy that was yet to be reviewed and considered by cabinet they hoped to focus on key strategic areas such as route network schedule, fleet upgrade, review of internal processes and procedures to gain improvement in how they do things, use technology to enhance delivery and improving people resources and processes.

However, he highlighted that despite the changes, Air Botswana’s performance of being on time had improved significantly over the last few months registering above eighty-five per cent with an all-time high of ninety-two per cent recorded in July.

“We have optimised our operations and recently expanded our cargo facilities and handling space, positioning ourselves well, in anticipation of increased cargo business through SSKIA airport,” he said.

The commercial director said the opening of the revamped and more modern Francistown office is a testament to the airline’s commitment to the city of Francistown.

It also indicates, he argued, their intent to better serve the people that have continued to fly with Air Botswana over the years and the ones that are discovering the thrill of flying with them for the first time.

“Our intention is clear, we want to be better for you,” said Mr Motse.

Consequently, he noted that the Francistown market has grown tremendously, and it was against this backdrop that they continued to fly not only between Gaborone and Francistown but between Francistown and Johannesburg.

This, he noted, was largely due to the demand in the mining and retail sector, since the inception of the service. The two routes, he added
especially the Francistown-Gaborone, included leisure travellers. Mr Motse said their presence at Galo Mall now meant that customers can do their shopping and when done, stop at the Air Botswana office to make their flight bookings.

Air Botswana’s Francistown station manager, Ms Pamela Toise thanked their customers and stakeholders for being supportive to the national airliner and promised to do more to meet their needs. ENDS