‘PROFLIGHT SUPPORTING HOME-GROWN BUSINESSES’

By NOEL IYOMBWA

PROFLIGHT says it is supporting home-grown businesses and promoting green practices to help set local aviation excellence benchmarks.

Proflight Zambia’s Director of Ground Operations, Cargo and Catering Vincent Banda said the airline is committed to incorporating Zambian products into its operations.

Mr. Banda said Proflight has been very active in the local sourcing and procurement of its services and products, aligning with the Proudly Zambian campaign.

He said the company is ensuring that it identifies Zambian companies and products that meet its high standards for passenger satisfaction.

“This dedication to quality, and desire to provide customers with a truly Zambian experience, means that passengers get to enjoy a taste of the country’s finest produce; from refreshing fruit juices to savoury snacks and meals, all crafted by local service providers and manufacturers.

“Flying Food is one such business that has, since 2021, offered catering services to Proflight,” Mr. Banda said.

Led by the enterprising Misheck Tembo, the inflight catering services company is the first – and currently the only – Zambian owned and operated enterprise of its kind.

Mr. Tembo highlighted the transformational impact of the partnership with Proflight, which has not only boosted the company’s operations but also fostered employment.

“With Proflight coming on board, we have grown from four workers to 76 Zambian youths. This collaboration has allowed us to comply with international airline catering standards, ensuring our food is safe and of top quality,” he explained.

Proflight Zambia’s Manager of Catering Carlyn Irwin echoes the importance of sustainability in their services. “We’ve introduced rotable dishes instead of plastic disposables, and compostable cutlery on board. We also recycle water bottles through a company in Lusaka,” she notes.

These eco-friendly initiatives are part of Proflight’s efforts to reduce waste and promote environmental responsibility and sustainability, further aligning with its commitment to reducing single-use plastic waste and empowering local businesses.

The collaboration with Flying Food is particularly noteworthy with the business blossoming and expanding to run a restaurant at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) domestic terminal.

“Our relationship with Flying Food has been mutually beneficial,” said Ms Irwin. “They will now handle catering for both our domestic and international flights starting this June, thus we are growing together.”

Mr. Tembo’s vision is one of growth as the company intends to get to 100 workers and eventually open up an airline catering school to pass on expertise to more Zambians for a skilled workforce for the future.