AT LEAST THREE companies have entered the contest to replace Zambia Airways, which collapsed in December 1994.
Two organisations in which South African Airways (SAA) is involved - although not SAA itself - are attempting to provide a complementary solution to Zambia's needs; but a rival entity is offering a different proposal.
Newly launched carrier Alliance, which is 40%-owned by SAA partner Transnet, with additional 10% stakes from Air Tanzania and Uganda Airlines, is talking to the Zambian Government about offering international services to the country.
Zambia was an original partner in the long-standing plans to create what finally became Alliance in December (Flight International, 21 December, 1994-3 January, 1995), but it was not one of the eventual partners.
Simultaneously, SAA part-owned subsidiary SA Express (SAX), operating de Havilland Dash 8s, is discussing the possibility of a feeder operation in Zambia similar to its South African network (Flight International, 1 June, 1994). Such an operation could fit in with an international Alliance service.
Meanwhile, a UK-based company, Commerce Trade Agency, which trades as CanAvia London, is offering to relaunch Zambia Airways with the financial backing of an unidentified Greek shipping-interests.
Canavia head Harry Hawthorne, a one-time Zambia Airways pilot, is proposing that the Zambian Government take share options in a new airline, rather than having to invest cash immediately.
Source: Flight International
