Ethiopian Airlines International Services, Managing Director Tekle Haimanot Yohannes has assured that their newest route from Addis Ababa to Maun will open new opportunities for the socio-economic development of Maun.
This it is anticipated that with the launch of the route, there will not only be improved accessibility but also economic benefits, especially job creation for locals.
Batawana Senior Chief Representative, Kgosi Oleyo Ledimo, Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana Chief Executive Officer, Dr Bao Mosinyi and the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Dumezweni Mthimkhulu share the same sentiments that the economic benefits of increased air connectivity extend far beyond the tourism sector.
Speaking at the inaugural flight welcome celebrations from Addis Ababa to Maun held at the Maun International Airport on Monday, Yohannes said the seamless connectivity in Addis Ababa allow for smooth transfer of passengers to their destination worldwide, opening new opportunities for the socio-economic development of Maun, the rest of Africa and beyond. He expressed confident in the mutual beneficial ties they have established with the town of Maun and its people.
Earlier on, CAAB CEO’s Mosinyi encouraged the airlines officials to consider working with CAAB, Maun community and the leadership of this country to invest in Maun and bring the much needed jobs to the area.
“I have no doubt that while the people of Maun appreciate this new route, the one thing that they want more than anything is jobs, it is common knowledge that big airlines such as Ethiopian airlines often invest at their international destinations in such area as aircraft maintenance facilities, aviation training schools, airport hotels or partnership with local airlines,” he said.
Sharing the same sentiments was, Botswana Tourism Organisation Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Keitumetse Setlang noting that as the airline has opened its office in Maun thus means that there is need for human resource to provide the service rendered by the airline. Furthermore, as the development is anticipated to increase tourist arrivals into the country, Setlang added that this also means that the over 53 thousand people employed by the tourism sector would rather increase instead of going down.
Kgosi Ledimo also believes that the new route will bring some employment opportunities to the locals, “economically I believe that our people over this area and in the country at large will be employed.” In addition, Ledimo was delighted that the inconvenience caused by flying via other airports to Maun will be a thing of the past as tourists will now fly directly to Maun subsequently improving the tourism sector.
For his part, Minister Mthimkhulu said improved accessibility is vital for fostering economic growth, facilitating trade and investment, and promoting tourism. He added that the economic benefits of increased air connectivity extend far beyond the tourism sector.
“This new route has the potential to stimulate trade, attract foreign investment, and create employment opportunities, particularly in Maun and its surrounding areas. As we strive to diversify our economy and promote sustainable development, initiatives like this play a crucial role in unlocking the full potential of our nation.”
