Puma Energy acquires two fuellers for SSKIA

Puma Energy Botswana last week launched two new fuellers deployed at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SSKIA) depot in what it said is an effort to enhance operational efficiency. In collaboration with government through the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Air Botswana and the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB), the company, which is the main supplier of fuel and lubricants to the local aviation industry, acquired the two fuellers at a cost of P5 million.

 
The company has said this move will help it to fuel larger aircrafts within scheduled turnaround times and will also reduce refuelling time by 30 minutes. The two fuellers have the capacity of 65, 000 litres and 20, 000 litres respectively. Puma Energy has indicated that the 65, 000 litre fueller was custom-made in France and delivered during the beginning of May and the smaller one was manufactured in Cape Town.

 
Speaking at the launch and commissioning of the ground equipment, Puma Energy General Manager, Mahube Mpugwa said; “As the main supplier of fuel and lubricants to the local aviation industry, Puma Energy is committed to a continued investment in its infrastructure – noting that in 2013 we commissioned a P30 million storage facility at the Maun International Airport which among others improved the security of supply to the country’s busiest airport.”

 
Mpugwa said in 2014 they also commissioned a new fuel facility at the Kasane International Airport and that they are currently engaging the CAAB on the upgrade of the same facility at the  Francistown International Airport. “Our role in the industry cannot be underplayed. Developments such as these will inevitably benefit our partners in the aviation sector, in that our improved efficiencies will have a domino effect on theirs as well,” he said.

 
Minister of Transport and Communications, Tshenolo Mabeo commended Puma Energy for its contribution to the Botswana aviation sector. He further recognized the partnership between Puma Energy and Air Botswana. “In aviation, fuel is one of the most important resources, so it is vital to ensure that its delivery to customers is done timeously, safely and affordably. Air Botswana and Puma Energy are doing a commendable job in keeping up with the evolving market trends and customer needs,” the minister said.