Air Botswana (BP, Gaborone) has joined the likes of Air Namibia (Windhoek International), Air Zimbabwe (UM, Harare International) and South African Airways (SA, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) in seeking funds from its national fiscus. Presenting Botswana's 2014/15 budget proposal to the local parliament, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Kenneth Matambo, allocated the national carrier BWP330million (USD37.19million) for what was termed "recapitalization funding."
Struggling from a lack of consistent leadership, the Botswana national carrier has limped from one loss to the next. In 2012, it posted a loss of BWP47.12million compared to a loss of BWP54.20 million the previous year. A subsequent 2013 parliamentary inquest into the airline's operations found significant shortfalls in its fuel procurement, fleet selection and employee accountability procedures.
In a bid to improve its revenue base, Air Botswana had looked to expand its regional footprint, with the purchase of a Boeing 737NG having been considered. The carrier currently operates three ATR42s, one ATR72, two ARJ-85s and a BAe 146-100 on flights throughout Botswana and the sub region.
In light of the country's growing prominence on the international diamond market, a B777 had also been looked at for the launch of long haul flights.
