LUSAKA – The 55th Annual General Assembly of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) is underway at the Ciela Resort near Lusaka, drawing more than 250 delegates from across the region. The four-day event, which began on Thursday, is being co-hosted by Proflight Zambia and runs until Sunday.
The gathering has brought together airline executives, aviation regulators, government policymakers, and travel industry players to discuss key issues affecting the aviation sector under the theme “Believe, Stop, Improve.”
Discussions are centred on strengthening air connectivity across Southern Africa, simplifying aviation regulations, and advancing digital innovation and sustainability within the industry.
Proflight Zambia’s Director of Flight Operations, Captain Josias Walubita, said hosting the Assembly was a defining moment for Zambia’s growing role in regional aviation. He said the airline looked forward to welcoming colleagues from South Africa and across the region while deepening cooperation on improving Southern Africa’s air links.
The AASA Gala Dinner, set for Saturday evening, is expected to be the highlight of the conference, showcasing Zambian cuisine, culture, and hospitality to guests from across the continent.
Proflight Zambia continues to expand its regional presence with direct flights connecting Lusaka, Livingstone, and Mfuwe to Johannesburg and Cape Town, and plans to launch a Windhoek route soon. The airline recently introduced jet services to Kasama in northern Zambia, enhancing both leisure and business travel options.
The company is also upgrading its digital systems to meet shifting traveller demands, with plans to move to a fully cashless operation by November 2025.
Captain Walubita said regional carriers share a collective responsibility to strengthen intra-African travel, trade, and tourism, adding that AASA 2025 serves as a vital platform for cooperation in creating more open and efficient skies across Southern Africa.
The AASA Annual General Assembly remains the largest gathering of aviation leaders in the region, shaping the future of air transport through shared policy discussions and partnerships.
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