AIR Namibia has defended its use of foreign pilots, saying there is a shortage of local pilots for the types of aircraft the airline uses, although they have also been training Namibians.
Air Namibia spokesperson Paul Nakawa last Friday said the airline spends close to N$30 million per year training Namibian pilots, of whom 40% are “non-white”, including women.
The Namibian last week reported Air Namibia as saying they will continue hiring foreign pilots until their demand for local pilots has been met.
This comes after reported that Air Namibia was using a Geneva-based company, Orionway, to recruit foreign pilots, who would be paid between 5 000 euros (N$83 000) and 9 000 euros (N$149 400) monthly.
“Therefore, while we are busy training our local pilots, we need these skills now. If they are not available in the country, we have to import on an ad hoc basis.
“Our operations cannot come to a standstill as we have an obligation to the flying public,” he said, adding that the Public Procurement Act also permits outsourcing if a required service cannot be obtained in Namibia.
“Today, we are happy to announce that so far, more than 90% of the pilot contingency are local pilots trained by Air Namibia,” said Nakawa.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
