AB�s new flight schedule to minimise delays
Boitshepo Majube | Friday April 11, 2014 15:44
“This will minimise the frequency of delays happening,” Air Botswana marketing manager, Thapelo Moribame said.
The airline stated that delays and cancellations happen throughout the airline industry because of a myriad of reasons. “With that said, the airline always strives to seek out ways to improve on reliability through minimising inconveniencies such as delays and cancellations.”
Moribame said AB has been considering ways to improve on operational efficiency given the prevailing market conditions. He said one of the ways identified was to evaluate the schedule and improve the current aircraft fleet.
He said the main objective is to redress issues regarding the reliability of the airline. “The sooner that this happens then the sooner that the airline can gradually find its way back to profitability.”
AB revealed that the new flight schedule was informed by an in-depth analysis of trends, facts and figures that they undertook with the help of government appointed management consultant.
“This analysis considered the entire operation of the airline to determine the efficiency of the existing flight schedule, taking into account the available resources,” the airline stated in a communiqué.
“Air Botswana will over the coming weeks, embark on an exercise to engage all concerned stakeholders regarding this new development,” it stated.
Moribame conceded that Air Botswana for the most part is plagued by operational challenges in the midst of the prevailing market dynamics. “Re-evaluation of the current fleet is on-going and following its completion, the airline, with government assistance will be able to source and secure equipment more suited to current market trends,’ Moribame said.
As of 31 March 2013, the airline recorded a loss of P74.45 million, compared to P47.12 million reported in the previous year. The revenue for the year including other income and finance income was P331.42 million, compared to P278.61 million in previous year; while expenditure was P405.87 million from P325.73 million in the previous year.
The working capital position of the airline as at 31 March 2013 showed current assets of P82.33 million and current liabilities of P205.34 million, giving a net current liabilities position of P123.01 million.