Air Botswana’s New Board to Review Fleet and Lease Deals
Air Botswana’s newly appointed board is set to re-evaluate the airline’s fleet, leasing contracts, and revenue-generating capabilities, according to a report by the Botswana Guardian. The board held its first meeting after its appointment on June 27, focusing on streamlining operations, possibly by reducing the current fleet and leasing out excess aircraft to improve commercial performance.
The airline currently operates two ATR72-600s for domestic and South African routes and one E175 on regional services. A second Embraer E170 has been grounded for maintenance since April 2025. Air Botswana is also seeking to sell its only ATR42-500. Additionally, the airline owns two E145s, which are dry-leased to Westair Aviation in Namibia and operated under an ACMI agreement, as Botswana’s regulatory limitations required placing them on Westair’s AOC.
The board has prioritized reviewing these leasing arrangements, particularly the E145 deal, due to questions around compliance and cost-efficiency. The airline is also facing financial stress, including missed payrolls and no submitted audited accounts since 2021.
The board reshuffle is part of a broader turnaround plan led by new chairman Dane Kondić, former CEO of Air Serbia and euroAtlantic Airways. Despite his concurrent role at Mozambique’s LAM, reports confirm Kondić has concluded his LAM duties and is now fully focused on Air Botswana.
Soon after taking office, the board suspended General Manager Lulu Rasebotsa for 30 days, citing financial mismanagement. Acting Commercial Director Boikanyo Ntwaagae has taken over interim leadership. The board’s restructuring has backing from President Duma Boko and key aviation advisors.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com