CAA Botswana

PROJECT DIRECTED BY Stephen Owen

WRITTEN BY Frew Murdoch

Guardians of Botswana’s Gateway

The Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana regulates air transport for one of Africa’s top tourist destinations, the Okavango Delta, otherwise known as the Jewel of the Kalahari

The Okavango Delta is one of the most breathtaking places on this entire planet. Designated as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) world heritage site, the awe-inspiring Delta is a must-visit for avid travelers, safari enthusiasts, wildlife fanatics, and adventurers due to its incredible biodiversity and exceptional lodges and camps. From exhilarating game drives to the endless natural beauty of baobabs, marshland, and palm-fringed waterways, the Delta is a wonder to behold.

The Okavango is not the only sparkling gem in Botswana’s collection. This country also hosts marvels such as the elephant-filled Chobe National Park, the dazzling white sands of the Makgadikgadi Pans, and the dramatic rocky terrain of the Tuli Block.

Botswana reveres, respects, and protects its natural splendor through sustainable tourism efforts and air traffic regulation. As many of the wildlife areas are remote and difficult to access via land, light aircraft and licensed personnel are high in demand, which means Botswana has a thriving scheduled, charter, and scenic flight industry.

CAA Botswana

The Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB), formerly the Department of Civil Aviation, is responsible for the development and regulation of air transport. This statutory corporation provides air navigation services, manages airports, and advises the government on all aspects of civil aviation. The authority’s mission is to effectively regulate and promote a secure and sustainable aviation industry following international standards.

The CAAB does not stand alone in this mission. Strategic partnerships with Botswana Tourism, the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana, the government, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the Bank of Botswana create mutual benefits for tourism, infrastructure, and the economy. Together, these organizations further the sustainable development of aviation operations in Botswana and minimize the negative impact of aviation on the environment.

Maun: Delta’s doorway

Maun may not be Botswana’s capital city, that title belongs to Gaborone, but it does hold its own as the tourism capital. Maun is the doorway and launchpad for some of Botswana’s most cherished attractions.

“Maun International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the Southern African region. Most of the air traffic into and out of Maun consists of light aircraft which fly in from the Okavango Delta,” said CAAB Public Relations and Communications Manager Modipe Nkwe.

He added that Maun’s rich aviation history could be attributed to the thriving tourism industry, which accounts for the majority of air traffic at Maun International Airport.

As a result of Maun’s popularity, the CAAB embarked on a Terminal Renovation project at the town’s airport in April 2019. This was delayed by 3 months due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but Major Blue Air

Major Blue Air is a Charter Operator in Botswana, and Australia. In Botswana, it has bases in Gaborone & Maun, and its operations is of a remarkable standards, therefore passengers are guaranteed a world class service at all times. We are known for our excellence in Aviation space, so come experience the stupendous views that can only be seen by air. Panoramic flights are offered daily, available year round, over the vast reaches of the Okavango Delta. Major Blue Air prides itself on providing safe and efficient operations and maintenance of its aircraft with a team of experienced and highly trained professionals. Major Blue Air owns and operates its own fleet of several small to large turbine prop aircraft, and a passenger jet. Some are suitable for the bush flying whilst others are best for mid-long or long-haul flights, therefore we cater for all type of flying. Major Blue Air Botswana has a fleet of 17 aircrafts.

Air Services Offered:

• Air transfers to/from Camps and lodges in the

Okavango Delta, Chobe, Makgadikgadi, Central

Kalahari , and Northern Tuli Game reserve.

• Scenic/Panoramic flights over the magnificent

Okavango Delta, Chobe river, Vic falls and Boteti (

Zebra migration route)

• Enroute scenic flights to/from Khwai Moremi game reserve

• Aerial photography and filming

• Aerial survey

• Private and corporate charter flights

• Air Ambulance services

PO Box 12399, Gaborone, Botswana PO Box 020 Maun, Botswana E: majorblueair@info.bw / sales@majorblueair.com T: (+267) 6865671 / (+267) 3180195

www.majorblueair.com

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CAA Botswana

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has since made progress. These renovations included the expansion of the public concourse departure hall and international and domestic baggage areas.

The CAAB also commissioned new check-in counters, flight information displays, a public address system, restroom facilities, and parking bays. Developments like these come as welcome news to the region’s air charter and scheduled flight operators, such as Air Botswana, Wilderness Air, and Mack Air, all of which have services running from the busy airport.

License to fly

Many of the flights that take off from Maun are quite different from traditional commercial flights. Many lodges and luxury camps exist in remote areas of pristine wilderness that cannot be accessed over land, so these accommodations feature exclusive airstrips for their clientele. The transfers are known as ‘short hops’; approximately 30-minute flights where landing and take-off conditions range from dirt runways to extremely remote strips.

As a result of the unique environmental conditions, bush pilots have a notable reputation in Botswana. These pilots are highly trained and skilled individuals who are adept at navigating Southern Africa’s skies and runways. The large numbers of tourists moving between cities, towns, lodges, and camps within Botswana has led to a great demand for light aircraft and expert pilots - the regulation of which is of utmost importance to ensure the safety and continued promotion of tourism in Botswana.

All aviation training organizations and professionals who work within Botswana must obtain the necessary license from the CAAB to meet regulatory requirements. In addition, no aircraft can fly Botswana skies unless it has an upto-date, valid certificate of airworthiness issued by the state in which the aircraft is registered. The CAAB is the authority for issuance, valida-

CAA Botswana

tion, or renewal of certificates of airworthiness and special flight permits for aircraft registered in the country.

Blue skies ahead

The COVID-19 national lockdown and restrictions had a harsh impact on the CAAB, as it did on many aviation businesses. From March 2020, the organization lost three international airlines: Qatar Airways, Air Namibia, and South African Express Airways.

“The country lost tourists who directly traveled on Qatar Airways and South African Express Airways and Air Namibia,” explained Modipe.

Fortunately, the storm clouds are clearing. As the world opens up once again and travel accelerates, the CAAB continues to market potential flight routes to attract new airlines into Botswana. With the beauty and vibrant culture of Botswana at its back, the CAAB will no doubt be successful in its pursuit.

www.caab.co.bw

Aerial view of Botswana’s Okavango delta

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