STAFF WRITE
Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi says the aviation industry in Namibia is vital in driving tourism and creates opportunities for the country to diversify its economy through engaging experts in other industries in the world.
In a speech read on his behalf by his advisor Kristofine Naunyango at the Air Connect Namibia annual stakeholder breakfast meeting on Wednesday, Nekundi said aviation bridges tourism and economic centres with regional hubs, rural communities and international markets.
“Every flight that takes off or lands in Namibia is more than just an operational process,it is a channel to opportunity, growth and development. Namibia is a long-haul destination for many of our strategic source markets such as Europe, Asia and the Middle East,” Nekundi said.
He added that tourists from these regions arrive seeking opportunities to invest in the Namibian economy.
“Without aviation – these connections would be slow and limited. The speed and reliability that air transport provides are fundamental to keeping Namibia competitive in a world where time has become an increasingly scarce Commodity,” he said.
He said the Namibian economy which has historically relied on mining and agriculture is now witnessing significant developments in our economic landscape that have the potential to transform our country.
“These industries, such as the Green Hydrogen and Oil and Gas sectors, rely heavily on access to global expertise, technology and investment – and aviation is the path through which these relationships are nurtured and maintained,” he said.
The minister said aviation facilitates investment in sectors where partnerships with international stakeholders are vital.
“Aviation allows us to connect, not only with global markets, but also with our neighbours – facilitating business, tourism and cultural exchange,” he said.
Speaking at the same event Namibia Airports Company Chief Executive Officer and Air Connect Namibia Spokesperson Bisey Uirab said the country continues to experience increased interest from international airlines that want to fly in.
“We continue to work together with all key stakeholders that are in the industry to make sure that any challenges that we are facing are dealt with within a reasonable time. This year we will see two more airlines coming to Namibia. There is also a chance of a third one but we will communicate when time comes,”Uirab said.
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