Published: 30 July 2013

Two brand new aircrafts acquired by Air Botswana in 2009 for close to P280 million have been singled out as unfit for purpose, a parliamentary committee has reported.

The committee on statutory bodies chaired by Robert Masitara found that Air Botswana purchased wrong aircraft, hence a commission of inquiry needs to be conducted by Parliament on the matter.

The committee stated that an ATR 72-500 aircraft (propeller aircraft) purchased in 2009 is not fit for purpose in terms of the Maun Airport infrastructure limitation and high temperatures. In 2009, Air Botswana bought two new 68-seater ATR 72-500 turbo propellers from New Zealand, each costing $20 million or P140 million.

Hardly two years after purchase, the aircraft have been in the news for the wrong reasons. In August last year, the engine of one of the planes exploded mid air at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport with 30 passengers on board before the pilot safely brought it down.  
- Mmegi Online

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