11 May 2025

 Air Botswana is a critical enabler of the economy.

Speaking at a ceremony to receive the airline’s latest acquisition, Embraer E145 Jet at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SSKIA) Friday, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr Noah Salakae said beyond passenger and cargo transport, Air Botswana was an integral part of Botswana’s broader transportation ecosystem that connected Botswana to the global village.

The ER145, named Matsieng, had been to a painting and routine maintenance in Namibia and it is the second aircraft acquired by Air Botswana with the first being Ukhwi, which arrived in Gaborone on May 2.

Matsieng is a 50-seater aircraft with over two decades of operational history and more than 26 million flying hours globally. 

The two aircraft have been modernised to celebrate Botswana’s heritage; with Matsieng paying homage to Botswana’s cultural and historical significant sites while Ukhwi honours the natural beauty of the country, reflecting the resilience and vibrancy of life in the ancient sandscapes, where life blooms, speak of Botswana’s pride in identity and heritage.

“The aircraft combines speed, comfort, and efficiency, making it ideal for regional routes. 

This makes it a strategic choice for Air Botswana as it strives to become the preferred airline within the region and beyond,” said Minister Salakae.

He noted that the arrival of Matsieng was not only an investment in equipment, but also in people with the airline having undertaken significant efforts to upskill its personnel with world-class technical expertise and having recruited new talent to support its operations.

This, Mr Salakae said, aligned with the national objectives of job creation and skills development.

“We applaud Air Botswana for these efforts and for contributing meaningfully to the growth of the aviation sector, ’he said.

Air Botswana envisions a safe, reliable, and efficient airline that supports business and leisure travel, facilitates economic growth, and integrates seamlessly with other transport modes (road and rail) for the overall benefit of the nation. 

This, Mr Salakae said was a significant role that Air Botswana played to facilitate the country as a player in the global economy. 

He said with his ministry’s mandate of connecting and networking communities, they continued to pledge to provide safe, secure, accessible transport that is reliable, affordable and sustainable.

Furthermore, Minister Salakae applauded Botswana for the successfully completing the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) in February. 

He said being registered as an IOSA Operator by IATA reflected the airline’s steadfast commitment to the highest standards of aviation safety and sound operational management. 

“We commend Air Botswana for their exceptional performance and for upholding such rigorous standards,” he said, further encouraging Batswana and other travellers to continue supporting the national carrier as a trusted and safe choice.

Moreover, Mr Salakae said his ministry acknowledged the recent operational challenges faced by Air Botswana, particularly those arising from a limited fleet. 

He said the new additions reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting the airline in its journey toward transformation and competitiveness. 

He added that the introduction of the aircraft ushered in a new era of schedule integrity, improved reliability and enhanced offerings.

Mr Salakae commended Air Botswana CEO, Ms Lulu Rasebotsa and her dedicated team for their hard work in making the achievement a reality. 

He also extended gratitude to the various stakeholders who had supported Air Botswana, among them the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB), the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), and the many industry experts and associates affiliated with the airline.

“This ceremony marks more than just a redesign of our aircraft exterior. It is a bold expression of our identity, our culture, and our collective ambition as a nation,” said Mr Uyapo Ketogetswe, the director and founder of the creative designer company, BONA 267, who designed the exterior of both Matsieng and Ukhwi.

Mr Ketogetswe said the design of the new national carrier spoke to who Batswana are. 

The belly of the aircraft has a familiar iconic leteisi pattern, which is deeply rooted in Botswana’s traditions.

“A fabric worn in celebration, in unity, and in pride. By incorporating this design, we are paying homage to our people, our heritage, and our vibrant culture that stretches across generations,” Mr Ketogetswe said.

Mr Ketogetswe said the design was not just a nod to tradition, but it was also a symbol of Botswana’s journey forward. 

He said the pattern, also resembled airport runways when viewed from an aerial viewpoint. 

This deliberate design choice, he explained, did not only symbolise the aviation industry, but that Botswana was in motion; taking off, connecting to the world, and embracing progress with every flight.

“What makes this design even more meaningful is that the pattern was crafted using the Air Botswana logo icon itself. 

A subtle, but powerful representation of how our brand is interwoven with our story, our people, and our vision. 

It is design with purpose, built from within, for the world to see,” he said.

Also incorporated in the design is the Botswana Pride mark, which is a unifying emblem that celebrates all things local.

This, Mr Ketogetse noted, was a reminder that Air Botswana was not just an airline, but a national symbol, a connector, a bearer of stories and a flag in the sky that says, “We are Botswana, and we are proud.”

Mr Ketogetswe expressed gratitude to Air Botswana for believing in young talent and empowering such youths’s businesses as BONA 267. ENDS