Mozambique s LAM acquires its first aircraft in 18 years

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Mozambique s LAM acquires its first aircraft in 18 years

2:22 CAT | 13 Aug 2025

Screen grab: STV

Mozambique Airlines (LAM) has announced the acquisition of its first aircraft in 18 years, highlighting this milestone as the first “tangible” proof of the efficacy of its new management, which is tasked with restructuring the state-owned airline.

“It’s the first aircraft we’ve acquired in the last 18 years. And it’s the first of many aircraft that we will introduce and integrate into LAM’s fleet, making our airline what it should be, what it needs to be, and what it will be,” Dane Kondic, chairman of the airline’s management committee, told a press conference in Maputo.

The aircraft is a Bombardier Q400 with a capacity to carry up to 74 passengers. It has been in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for almost four months, undergoing maintenance checks, and is expected to arrive in Maputo this Thursday, Kondic said.

According to Kondic, the deal was completed on Monday, and the aircraft’s title is now in LAM’s possession.

“This is the first tangible proof of what the vision of the shareholders and the Government has achieved, and of how this management team has worked tirelessly to ensure the rebirth of our national carrier,” Kondic explained.

For Kondic, a “strong and healthy” LAM also means that people are employed, spending money, and having food on the table. The airline’s strength is therefore a “strong driver” of the country’s economic development.

“I feel very proud, especially considering the difficult circumstances we’ve had here with the airline, not just during our three or four months, but over the last three or four years,” Kondic said.

The Mozambican airline has been facing operational problems for several years related to a small fleet and lack of investment, with a number of non-fatal incidents attributed by experts to poor aircraft maintenance. It is now undergoing a major restructuring process.
President Daniel Chapo said on April 28 that there were “foxes and corrupt individuals” within LAM, with “conflicts of interest” that prevented the company’s restructuring in his first 100 days in office.

The crisis led the airline to virtually cease international flights this year, focusing on domestic flights. It also led to a new administration in May and new shareholders, including Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric (HCB), Mozambique Ports and Railways (CFM), and the Mozambican Insurance Company (EMOSE).

To minimize recurring flight cancellations, LAM will purchase up to five Boeing 737-700 aircraft in a process led by Knighthood Global, a consulting firm hired by the new shareholders to advise on the company’s restructuring.

LAM also launched a tender, on July 31st, for the short-term lease of five aircraft.

The Mozambican Institute of State Holdings Management (IGEPE) announced on May 13th the dismissal of LAM’s board of directors and the appointment of a management committee chaired by Dane Kondic, 60, a former CEO of Air Serbia and former chairman of the board of directors of Portugal’s euroAtlantic.

LAM currently carries an average of 915 passengers a day to domestic and regional destinations.

Source: LAM