Air Botswana, Puma Energy collaborate
Pauline Dikuelo | Wednesday June 10, 2015 15:14
Last week, Puma Energy deployed two A-1 jet-refuellers with respective capacities of 65,000 litres and 20,000 litres at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SSKIA), which are said to be effective and efficient than the older ones.
On the other hand, Air Botswana launched three ground power units; two small and large aircraft pushback as well as three mobile passenger steps and two ramp buses.
At the event, the Minister of Transport and Communications Tshenolo Mabeo said it was crucial for Air Botswana to optimise its cargo operations.
He said they have to move to the new world class facility as the relocation of DTC presented a chance for them to capture new world markets as international dealers travel in and out. “The new equipment would help Air Botswana to provide better customer service to the flying public. As a ground handler, Air Botswana needs to demonstrate its capability and capacity to deal with such large numbers of people.”
Mabeo further noted that a vibrant aviation industry is crucial to Botswana’s prosperity, adding that aviation is not just a beneficiary of economic growth, but also a contributor to the creation of its growth.
“As Puma Energy replaces the tractor bowsers with two brand new fuel trucks, they are helping the industry to better control the fuel supply to the local aircraft.
“It is worth noting that Puma Energy does not only contribute to the local aviation sector, but is a key player in the international arena too. The three ground power units would apply ground power to any aircraft on the ground while the two small and large aircraft pushback trucks would be capable of pushing any size aircraft.
The three mobile passenger steps are meant to assist passengers to board and disembark aircraft while the two ramp buses will transport passengers between the airport terminal and apron. Both buses have the capacity to carry 110 passengers each.
As the main supplier of fuel and lubricants to the local aviation industry, Puma Energy is committed to a continued investment in its infrastructure.
In 2013 they commissioned a P30 million-storage facility at Maun International Airport, which among others improved the security of supply to the country ‘s busiest airport.
Last year, Puma Energy commissioned a new fuel facility at Kasane International Airport and currently are engaging the Civil Aviation Authority Botswana (CAAB) on the upgrade of the same facility at Francistown International airport.