"I want to say this especially to the Vice President (Mompati Merafhe) and the Minister of Works and Transport (Johnnie Swartz) who are here that it is time Botswana had an aviation industry that is of international standards," said Peege, who represents South Africa on ICAO's Council.

Peege , who is also the President of the African Civil Aviation Commission (ACAC), said New York as the headquarters of the United Nations, Washington as the head office of the International Monetary Fund and Addis Ababa the headquarters of the African Union had developed their aviation industries to meet the standards necessary for hosting such multilateral organisations.

Swartz concurred with Peege, saying the government had decided to establish an autonomous aviation authority in order to conform to ICAO standards; CAAB should not only ensure that Botswana met international standards but should also advice the government regarding its obligations under international law.

"From the onset, the government expects CAAB to enhance the safety, security and efficiency of civil aviation through effective management," Swartz said.

"The Authority should put safety first and ensure that our operators fly airworthy aircraft and that security is (never) compromised."

Swartz said civil aviation was a "very important" sub-sector in the development of Botswana's transport sector.  "Other than enabling Batswana to travel quickly, comfortably and safely to other parts of the world, air transport is also a key facilitator in the diversification of the country's economy through its support to the tourism and trade sectors," he said.

To support the expectations of the international aviation industry, the government had embarked on financing the expansion and improvements of major airports and that work was progressing well at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport and at the smaller Maun and Francistown airports while work on the Kasane and Ghantsi airports was at the design stage.

Swartz said his ministry was currently seeking the options of stakeholders on liberalising scheduled services both locally and regionally with a view to attracting more air services into the country.

CAAB is mandated to facilitate this arrangement and the process of developing regulations for licensing private air operators. Under the statute establishing it, CAAB will regulate air transport, which will entail the licensing of pilots and other civil aviation personnel, the certification of aircraft and the provision of air navigation and traffic services.

Gobusamang Keebine, who has a long track record in civil aviation in Botswana and South Africa,  has been appointed the Chairman of the CAAB.