Message from the President of AOOA
On behalf of the AOOA, a warm welcome to visitors to our website, and to our Membership and prospective members. Established to promote and champion both private and commercial aviation in Zambia, the Association is one of the “elders” of such organisations in Zambia. We have a dynamic Executive Committee in office, and are a full member of the Zambia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ZACCI).
As well as being a membership service organization and providing a social and business platform for disseminating current aviation news and information, we have a long-standing and respected rapport with Government agencies, in particular the ZCAA, ZACL and Ministry of Transport & Communications.
Almost a year ago, we took on the challenge of re-vamping the Association, and quickly built up a head of steam going into 2020. Unfortunately, as you all know, the world was then hit with the COVID-19 pandemic from which we are still reeling.
Nevertheless, together with the launch of our website, we now have our own office at KKIA. I would also like to introduce you to our Administrative Assistant Lutangu Wasilota, a would-be pilot and aviation enthusiast who is based at the office and has thrown himself enthusiastically into the job of putting our “administrative house” in order and recruiting new members.
AOOA Administrative Assistant Lutangu Wasilota
We have been keeping our membership as up-to-date as we can through regular newsletters, and for those new to our association you will find examples in the website of some of the issues and challenges we have taken up with our various partners, such as the following.
With ZCAA :
Rationalising Aeroplane Class & Type/Series Ratings for aircraft below 5,700 Kgs;
Differentiation of AOC Certification Procedures and Implementing Standards for different types, sizes and scopes of commercial air service operations in Zambia.
With ZACL :
Working with ZACL’s ATC (GATCOZ) and in collaboration with ZCAA to establish VFR Reporting Points and Corridors for departing and arriving VFR Traffic at KKIA;
Addressing the issue of excessive ZACL Fees, particularly Parking Fees, at KKIA, Livingstone, Ndola and Mfuwe International Airports, and Overtime Fees levied on air operators using ZACL facilities at Livingstone, Ndola and Mfuwe International Airports after hours.
We look forward to your participation in the Association’s activities and development. Feel free to communicate with myself or my Committee with your news, ideas, suggestions and other contributions, and of course Lutangu is normally available at our KKIA office during normal working hours, or via the contacts posted in our website.
With good wishes, stay safe and be mindful of measures required to mitigate COVID-19.
Richard Jeffery/AOOA President.