Air Namibia has confirmed it will introduce its first Airbus A330-200 into commercial scheduled operation on its Windhoek – Frankfurt route from the start of October 2013. The southern African carrier is due to receive its first of two aircraft in September 2013 and will use it to replace an A340-300 on the daily flight to boost efficiency. The second aircraft is due to arrive in November 2013 with both being sourced from Intrepid Aviation.

“The Airbus A330-200 aircraft is ideal for Air Namibia’s operation and continues to be an economically efficient aircraft for airlines around the world. The two aircraft will be used primarily on Air Namibia’s long haul route, between Windhoek and Frankfurt,” said Michael Ngapurue, acting managing director. He added that alongside lower operating costs the type will enable the airline to introduce improved seating and an enhanced in-flight product.

The two A330-200s will be configured in a two-class arrangement with 30 Business Class and 214 Economy seats and will represent a reduction in daily capacity on the Frankfurt route by 12.2 per cent with 14 fewer Business Class seats and 20 fewer Economy seats per flight. According to local sources this will enable the carrier to better meet demand.

The A330-200 will initially debut on the Frankfurt route on alternating days from October 3, 2013 until November 30, 2013. The type will fully replace the A340-300 on all services from December 1, 2013 although the schedule for the winter season will reduce from a daily to six times weekly operation.