The website of the now defunct company, www.biacargo.com, lists South African citizens David Eastaugh, Nigel Crompton and Brogden as founders.
The site explains that Eastaugh, listed as Kaunda Aviation CEO, has extensive aviation experience as a business pilot and aircraft owner. Crompton, a retired army lieutenant, is said to have experience in airline logistics and contracts management. Interestingly, Brogden is not listed as a member of the executive, which includes one Linley Sharp. "Sharp has an Aircraft Engineering, Trade Union and Business Development background," says the site.
When contacted, Brogden told Mmegi that he was part of the team which attempted to set up the airline. However, he said the idea has since been dropped because of lack of funds. "I was approached by some guys sometime last year who explained that they were interested in setting up the airline. I thought it was not a bad idea. It was more an idea that never materialised than a real airline," he explained. He dismissed suspicions that he might have used his position as CEO of Air Botswana to access useful information regarding the direction of the aviation industry in the country in order to carve out a niche for the proposed company. "I do not see it that way. I am on a very short contract with Air Botswana. I have to keep an eye out for my own future and I think I have every right to pursue any avenues that may be of benefit to me in the future," he said.
However, he was quick to point out that for now, he has his hands full and he wants to concentrate on the troubled national airline. Media reports have always questioned Brogden's change of mind regarding the profitability of Air Botswana. When he took over, he believed the airline could be turned around. But it is reported that he has now joined the pro-privatisation lobby believed to be supporting the acceleration of the negotiations between government and Airlink.
The current negotiations are mired in controversy with Parliament calling for a halt to the process. Meanwhile, it was recently announced that the delayed expansion of the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is on track.
