Air Botswana has officially entered a bold new chapter in African aviation with the launch of its brand-new Embraer E175 jet, aptly named “Kalahari.” The state-of-the-art aircraft made its inaugural commercial flight from Gaborone to Maun on 25 May 2025, marking a significant milestone not only for the airline but also for Botswana’s fast-growing tourism and aviation sectors.

For travellers venturing to the Okavango Delta, this represents more than just a plane upgrade—it’s a transformation in how we reach one of Africa’s most pristine natural wonders.

Regional Jet Power for a Tourism Giant

The Embraer E175, configured with 88 seats, replaces older turboprop aircraft and smaller jets, offering a 30% increase in capacity and a notably enhanced passenger experience. This addition aligns with Air Botswana’s broader modernisation strategy, positioning the national carrier to better serve high-demand routes while improving regional connectivity.

Equipped with wider seats, more spacious cabins, and reduced cabin noise, the jet is tailored for comfort—a crucial selling point for both international tourists and local business travellers.

Air Botswana’s sleek new E175 jet lifts off—offering more comfort, capacity, and connection to Africa’s iconic safari capital, Maun. Photo Credit: afrviation.org
Air Botswana’s sleek new E175 jet lifts off—offering more comfort, capacity, and connection to Africa’s iconic safari capital, Maun. Photo Credit: afrviation.org

The jet’s capabilities make it ideal for both short-haul tourism traffic and longer cross-border routes. With a range of over 3,700 km, it opens up strategic links to regional capitals such as Cape Town, Harare, Lusaka, Windhoek, and future destinations like Maputo and Kasane.

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Maun: Africa’s Hidden Aviation Powerhouse

Though relatively small, Maun Airport is one of Africa’s busiest by aircraft movements, serving as the gateway to the Moremi Game Reserve and Okavango Delta, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The new E175 enhances the capacity and reliability of travel to Maun, a crucial upgrade for tour operators, luxury safari lodges, and the thousands of travellers who fly into northern Botswana annually.

By improving connectivity and convenience, the jet is expected to support Botswana’s broader tourism targets. According to industry projections, South African visitor numbers alone are expected to rise from 536,000 in 2024 to over 860,000 by 2028—and the national carrier is poised to ride that growth wave.

A Strategic Move in a Competitive Region

The introduction of the E175 is part of a BWP 600 million (~USD 45 million) investment into Air Botswana’s turnaround strategy. With this move, the airline signals renewed intent to compete in a regional market increasingly dominated by private operators and cross-border carriers.

Importantly, the jet complements Air Botswana’s existing fleet of Embraer 145s—”Matsieng” and “Ukhwi”—creating operational efficiency in training, maintenance, and spare parts sourcing.

It also aligns with continental efforts like the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to liberalise and boost intra-African connectivity—a key goal for the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

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From capital gateway to continental hub—Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is rising as a key player in Southern Africa’s aviation future. Photo Credit : Sir Seretse Khama Airport
From capital gateway to continental hub—Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is rising as a key player in Southern Africa’s aviation future. Photo Credit: Sir Seretse Khama Airport

Economic and Brand Implications for Botswana

Air Botswana’s investment in modern aircraft is part of the country’s broader ambition to position itself as a luxury tourism and logistics hub within Southern Africa. Enhanced air travel plays a pivotal role in this vision.

For Botswana—a country that draws more than 15% of its GDP from tourism—improving access to remote but iconic destinations like the Delta and Chobe is a critical enabler for inclusive growth, employment creation, and sustainable tourism development.

What It Means for Travellers

The E175 brings good news:

  • Faster, more comfortable flights to safari destinations
  • Greater capacity during peak travel seasons
  • A stronger, more dependable national airline

More than just a fleet update, Kalahari represents Botswana’s confidence and readiness to deliver a world-class travel experience—from the runway to the river safari.

Final Thought: A New Standard for Regional Luxury?

The African aviation landscape is changing. As destinations become more premium, so must the journey. With this move, Air Botswana raises the bar for what travellers can expect when flying to the heart of Africa’s most breathtaking wilderness.

The E175 isn’t just a jet—it’s a flying welcome mat for the world, stitched with threads of national pride, smart strategy, and elevated experience.