The Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) is today (Friday) officially launching a lounge at the Maun International Airport as part of its efforts to enhance visitor experience among other things at the gateway airport to the Okavango Delta.
The organisation has initially planned to establish two lounges with the other one being a (VVIP) meant for very high-end individuals.
However, CAAB chief executive officer, Dr Bao Mosinyi has revealed that they decided to halt the establishment of the VVIP lounge pending the completion of the feasibility study that will determine the future of the airport.
The study on the proposed developments of the airport will advise on whether to relocate the facility with its international status to another spacious place or alternatively, for the current one to further be expanded.
Dr Bao indicated that the findings on the study are expected by end of May 2025 therefore they could not proceed with the establishment of the VVIP lounge. The old puma building was planned to be converted into the VVIP lounge meant for the premier travellers but Dr Bao noted, “to refurbish that old building we were going to spent more millions of Pula. So, if the feasibility study recommends for expansion of the airport, then it means we are going to demolish that building hence we wanted to wait for that.”
As for the other lounge that is being opened upstairs today, the CEO said it is also meant to decongest the downstairs area which can takes only about 270 people per hour. “Its always congested downstairs, you find that when people come to check in there is never enough space where they can go and relax.”
Dr Bao added that the number of flights has increased and so is people.
He added that normally they award spaces for lounges but with the Maun one they wanted to make something different hence they did the works by themselves.
“Here we wanted to make something different hence we did not award the space. We wanted to make the lounge like non other, a little bit bigger and nicer. We wanted the furnishing and everything to be of high end.”
Dr Bao indicated that they have spent more than 3 million pula to refurbish the facility inclusive of its design, furniture and interior. The lounge according to him is accessible to everyone instead of the other one, a paid for facility that would mainly cater for High profile business executives, celebrities, High ranking Government officials.
Previously, CAAB’s Director of Airport Services, Isaac Mabote said they want to be creative and see how they can improve the value chain of their services at the facility. He said with the airport being one of the busiest in Southern Africa and also a getaway to the most sought-after prestigious Okavango Delta, the authority sees it fit to bring befitting amenities that will cater for its clients including those with very high socioeconomic rank or spending power.
“When you run an airport the most important thing that you need focus on is the passenger experience. Passenger facilitation at check points should be faster but during their layover time if there is nothing keeping them engaged that can be a concern, so to address that there is need try and bring amenities into the airports such as restaurants, lounges and shops.”
