Air Botswana has taken delivery of the first of two new ATR 72-500s it ordered last year. The 68-seat aircraft, equipped with the “Elegance Cabin” and inflight entertainment, will add to the capacity provided by its current fleet of three ATR 42-500s.
The airline says it will fly its new turboprops on routes previously operated by regional jets that became unprofitable with those types.
“The introduction of these new ATR 72-500 aircraft responds to our need to increase our route coverage and to provide more frequencies to our passengers,” remarked L.M. Bantsi, acting general manager of Air Botswana (pictured receiving the keys to the aircraft from ATR CEO Stephane Mayer). “The ATR ‘-500 series’, with their ability to operate in hot and high environments are optimally adapted to our needs. The relationship between Air Botswana and ATR has existed for the past 20 years, and is now further enhanced by the acquisition of the ATR 72-500 delivered here and in May 2009.”
The DoD has changed its structures and is been increasing efforts to facilitate access to loans by companies interested in working with artificial intelligence, advanced materials and semiconductors, biotechnology and quantum science.
India has approved millions of dollars in new military purchases, most of which will go to public sector companies.
The main obstacles to overcoming risks in the region are a lack of a strong cybersecurity culture and inadequate funds to invest in this domain given a widespread Chinese presence in the region.
MBDA is adapting to supply chain pressures as the Russian invasion of Ukraine leads to increased demand for armaments.
Despite the additional funding promised this week, the UK armed forces still look set to face cutbacks, and maintaining international commitments to AUKUS and GCAP may limit the options for other programmes.
This week on the Shephard Defence Podcast, senior naval reporter Harry Lye and military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann chat with Professor John Louth.
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