Govt commemorates International Civil Aviation Day

          Zambia, like many other nations, has not shied away from commemorating important days on the annual calendar. One such day is the International Civil Aviation Day that falls on December 5th each year. Highlight in this year’s commemoration was the reminder by Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Museba F. Tayali, that as a land-linked nation, aviation is not simply a transport service, but a strategic Transport Sub-Sector artery that supports Zambia’s economy, tourism, regional trade, medical logistics, and the socio-economic well-being of the people.

          He called for more establishment of cargo handling facilities in airports across the country. “If every province is to export fresh produce, livestock products, minerals, and industrial goods through our airports, then we must invest urgently in cold-chain capacity, ground-handling equipment, and provincial cargo facilities,” Hon. Tayali said. The aviation sector remains central to the National Development Plan, supporting industrialisation, trade facilitation, investment, and job creation.

Government has affirmed that it will continue to:

• Strengthen safety and regulatory oversight;

• Modernise air navigation systems;

• Promote Innovation including the safe integration of drones and emerging technologies; and

• Expand connectivity, and encourage greater private-sector participation in aviation infrastructure and services.

          Hon. Tayali described aviation as a shared responsibility, and commended all partners – Airlines, Airports, AIR Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), training institutions like the Zambia Air Servises Training Institute, and Private-Sector Innovators for their commitment. The International Civil Aviation Day reminds society to uphold the highest standards of safety, professionalism, accountability, and innovation.