SWAPO’s plan to revive bankrupt Air Namibia faces opposition due to economic concerns. Critics argue that resources should focus on urgent socioeconomic needs instead. The airline was liquidated in 2021 after significant government bailouts and discussions with potential partners have emerged to explore revival options, although a suitable alternative has not yet gained traction.
Namibia’s ruling South West African People’s Organisation (SWAPO) faces backlash regarding its initiative to revive the bankrupt Air Namibia, as reported by the newspaper New Era. Opposition politician Maximalliant Katjimune of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has expressed concerns, stating that such a revival lacks economic justification and diverts resources from essential socioeconomic issues.
The plan emerged from SWAPO’s 2024 election manifesto, which proposes reviving the national airline under carefully devised strategies to prevent previous missteps. The Namibian cabinet endorsed the incorporation of this manifesto into government policy, with plans for implementation commencing on April 1, 2025.
Air Namibia was voluntarily liquidated in March 2021 after facing chronic losses and mismanagement, with the government investing NAD9 billion (approximately USD495 million) to support the airline over a decade. A failed attempt to acquire the bankruptcy estate occurred in September 2022 by a South African logistics broker.
In December 2022, SWAPO’s national congress instructed the government to reinstate the national airline to enhance regional connectivity and attract tourism. Additionally, discussions with Ethiopian Airlines took place to explore potential assistance for the revival, with Emirates also expressing interest. However, the startup airline Fly Etosha, aimed at serving as a replacement, could not succeed. Currently, FlyNamibia stands as the sole Namibian-based scheduled passenger airline operating a fleet leased from Westair Aviation.
The proposed revival of Air Namibia by SWAPO is met with skepticism due to concerns over economic viability and the prioritization of pressing national issues. The historical financial burden of Air Namibia’s liquidation emphasizes the challenges facing this initiative. While discussions with established airlines suggest interest in developing the aviation sector, skepticism remains regarding the practicality of restoring a national carrier.
Original Source: www.ch-aviation.com
