- Namibia confirms exploratory talks with Ethiopian Airlines for Namibia Air
- Ethiopian Airlines proposed ATR72-600 model with technical assistance
- No binding commitments or equity investment agreed
- Namibia Air received air service licences in August 2026
- Planned commercial launch December 2026 pending AOC certification
The Namibian government has confirmed ongoing discussions with Ethiopian Airlines, as well as consultations with local aviation operators and other relevant stakeholders, on the establishment of the proposed new national carrier, Namibia Air. The ministry stressed the talks remain analytical and that no binding commitments have been entered into with any party at this stage.
An internal briefing document published by the Windhoek Observer newspaper suggested Ethiopian Airlines proposed an ATR72-600-based operating model, together with technical assistance, training, maintenance support, aircraft sourcing assistance and a possible management contract. Ethiopian Airlines was not prepared to commit to an equity investment at this stage, citing the need for a commercially viable business plan and indicating that any future equity partnership would require management control.
Namibia Air reached a key regulatory milestone in August 2026 after receiving scheduled and non-scheduled air service licences from Namibia’s Transportation Commission, clearing the way to acquire aircraft ahead of a planned commercial launch in December 2026. The start-up intends to operate scheduled and charter flights across Namibia and internationally, using a fleet of four E145s and three E170s or E175s. The carrier must still obtain an air operator’s certificate, with the transport ministry targeting completion of the certification process within 90 days.
The Ministry of Works and Transport shared: “The ministry rejected as unauthorised an internal briefing document published by the Windhoek Observer newspaper, saying it did not recognise the document as an official or accurate reflection of the government’s work, deliberations, or policy. The ministry said any suggestion that the document represented concluded government decisions or agreements was misleading and without foundation.”
