The history of Malawian Airlines dates back to the early 1960s when it was first established as the national carrier of Malawi. At the time, the airline was known as Malawi Airways. The airline initially operated on domestic routes, connecting the major cities of the country, such as Blantyre, Lilongwe, and Mzuzu.
In the 1970s, Malawi Airways began operating international flights. This was a significant milestone for the airline, as it was the first African carrier to fly to Europe. The airline's fleet at this time consisted of DC-8 and Boeing 707 aircraft.
In the 1980s, the airline underwent a major restructuring and rebranding, and was renamed Malawian Airlines. This was part of an effort to make the airline more competitive in the international market. The airline also began operating international routes to destinations such as London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
The 1990s marked a period of growth for the airline. Malawian Airlines expanded its fleet to include newer aircraft such as the Boeing 767 and the Airbus A320. The airline also began flying to destinations in the Middle East and Asia.
In 2001, Malawian Airlines became a member of the Star Alliance, making it the first African carrier to join the alliance. This was a major milestone for the airline, as it allowed the carrier to expand its network of destinations and offer customers more flight options.
In 2009, the airline suffered a major setback when it was involved in a fatal crash. The crash occurred near the city of Lilongwe, and resulted in the death of all 20 passengers and crew members onboard. The crash was later attributed to pilot error and lack of proper maintenance.
In 2013, the airline was at the center of a federal investigation. The investigation was launched in response to allegations of corruption and mismanagement. After a lengthy investigation, the allegations were dismissed and the airline was cleared of any wrongdoing.
Over the years, Malawian Airlines has grown to become one of the leading airlines in Africa. With its modern fleet of aircraft and expansive network of international routes, the airline has become an important part of the Malawian economy. Despite its past setbacks, the airline continues to be an important part of the country's aviation industry.
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