Malawian Airlines adds Boeing 737-800 to fleet

National flag carrier Malawian Airlines has welcomed a new aircraft, Boeing 737- 800 series, to serve its scheduled routes across the region, especially the Johannesburg and Nairobi routes.

The aircraft, a newer model with a seat capacity of 154, replaces the Boeing 737-700 series which has a seat capacity of 118.

In an interview on Thursday, Malawian Airlines head of commercial services Charles Ng’ambi said the move is in response to the growth in demand for air services.

He said: “Customer satisfaction is always top for Malawi Airlines. The new B737-800 series will ensure our esteemed customers have an excellent travel experience.

“Besides passengers, the aircraft has a better cargo hold capacity and will serve the cargo market much better on our routes. We also owe this to our valued and esteemed customers across the region and worldwide for their patronage of the national flag carrier.”

Ng’ambi said the airline has also embarked on a route network expansion drive, targeting the first half of 2023 with a fleet that includes a Boeing 738 series aircraft.

Writing on his Facebook page, Minister of Transport and Public Works Jacob Hara said is hopes were high that the aircraft will alleviate the problem of space encountered by the airline.

He said: “There has been an outcry from the travelling public failing to secure seats on the airline’s flights owing to high demand, forcing many travellers to route through either Addis Ababa in Ethiopia or Nairobi in Kenya to get to or from South Africa.

“This should, therefore, be able to ease travel.”

Malawian Airlines was formed in July 2013 following the liquidation of Air Malawi in February 2013 for failing to pay its debts.

The Airline started its operations on January 31 in 2014, with a domestic inaugural flight to Blantyre and thereafter introduced international flights to Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia and Tanzania.

Malawi Government owns 51 percent in the airline while the remaining stake 49 percent, is held by its strategic partner, Ethiopian Airlines.