Mozambique’s Minister of Transport and Communications has underscored the importance of exploring fresh international routes as a crucial step towards reviving Mozambique Airlines (LAM), asserting that the carrier requires ample time to establish its “relevance.”
Mozambique Minister of Transport and Communications, Mateus Magala stated on Friday evening, following the inaugural flight between Maputo and Lusaka, the Zambian capital, that “expanding LAM’s routes beyond our borders” represents a viable solution to the prevailing challenges faced by the airline. Magala highlighted the necessity for the Mozambican flag carrier to adopt resolute and substantial measures in order to consolidate its recovery process. He further divulged that LAM’s future lies in exploiting untapped markets across Africa and other continents, targeting “lucrative destinations.”
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The maiden commercial flight between Maputo and Lusaka was deemed a momentous occasion by Magala, as the city in Southern Africa had hosted the Lusaka Accords 47 years ago. With LAM currently under the temporary management of South African firm Fly Modern Ark, Minister Magala expressed that the government would carefully consider its next steps, refraining from divulging any information regarding the potential privatization of the carrier.
“Our objective is to engage in future strategic deliberations in the near term, positioning our airline as a prominent player in the realm of civil aviation,” highlighted Magala.
Nevertheless, Mateus Magala cautioned that prudence is paramount in order to avoid repeating the past missteps that plunged LAM into insolvency.
In May, the newly appointed management committee of LAM announced a positive turn, as the company managed to climb out of insolvency by successfully recovering $47.3 million in debts owed by both the state and private entities since April. However, the airline remains vulnerable to the risk of collapse. Sérgio Matos, a member of the management committee, elaborated on the carrier’s rescue strategy, revealing plans to reinstate the Maputo-Lisbon route and explore emerging markets such as Brazil, India, Dubai, and China.
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As Mozambique’s aviation industry teeters on the precipice, the government’s unequivocal support for LAM’s salvation through the pursuit of new routes exhibits a commitment to rejuvenate the country’s flagship airline and safeguard its future success.
