After encountering some delays and regulatory setbacks Air Botswana’s Embraer E175 aircraft has entered scheduled operations.
Last year, Air Botswana’s CEO Lulu Rasebotsa announced significant fleet and route expansion plans for the airline. This was expected to take place late last year – once additional aircraft had arrived.
The airline does have an Embraer E170 aircraft in service. This is already being used for various routes. However, Air Botswana is intent on modernizing its fleet and growing its route network. Hence the need for new, efficient aircraft.
Air Botswana said it would take delivery of an Embraer E175 and two Embraer ERJ145 Regional Jets.
The national carrier intended to launch various new routes and ramp up services on existing routes with the additional aircraft. It was operating services with two older ATR-72 turboprops and a newer Embraer E170.
Though the two ERJ 145s arrived last year they were unable to enter service with Air Botswana due to regulatory setbacks. The airline then entered an agreement with privately owned FlyNamibia to operate services on its behalf, with the ERJ 145s.
AIR BOTSWANA EMBRAER E175
The Embraer E175 aircraft was also delayed in entering service with Air Botswana, forcing postponements in the commencement of various new services it hoped to start up.
However, Air Botswana’s newest aircraft addition, the 88-seater Embraer E175, has now officially joined its fleet.
This opens up new possibilities for domestic and regional travel with Air Botswana. It also optimises services for key regional routes including Lusaka, Cape Town, Durban, Harare, and Windhoek.
The E175 offers smoother, quieter flights with noise-minimising engines, a spacious cabin design and enhanced legroom.
The new aircraft, named Kalahari, has taken to the skies, operating its first flight on 25 May 2025.
The entry of this aircraft into Air Botswana’s fleet is sure to support the growth of tourism in Botswana.
