Air Botswana Flights: Unfiltered Truths, Hidden Stories, and How to Book Smarter in 2025

If you think you know everything about Air Botswana flights, it’s time for a wake-up call. Strip away the glossy marketing, the rumor mill, and the out-of-date travel blogs—what’s left is an airline at the crossroads of African travel, regional ambition, and raw, unpredictable reality. In 2025, Air Botswana is not just ferrying tourists to the Okavango Delta or business travelers to Gaborone; it’s fighting for relevance, transforming its fleet, and rewriting its own mythos. This isn’t a sanitized review or a rehashed “top ten tips” list. Here, we’re going deep: into the stories passengers whisper in airport lounges, the numbers that airlines fear you’ll check, and the booking hacks that can change an entire trip. With a blend of sharp analysis, insider perspective, and hard data, we’re decoding Air Botswana flights for the traveler who wants more than just a seat—someone who demands the real story, the smartest strategy, and the hidden gems only locals and pros ever mention.

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The myth and the reality: Why Air Botswana flights are misunderstood

Unpacking the reputation: What travelers really say

Peel back the social media rants and TripAdvisor star ratings, and you’ll discover that Air Botswana’s reputation is anything but straightforward. Sure, you’ll find tales of last-minute delays and cryptic gate changes, but you’ll also read about unexpectedly warm crew interactions and the uniquely unhurried rhythms of regional travel.

Consider the words of a frequent flyer, recently quoted in a 2025 review:

“I boarded with low expectations, but the crew made me feel like a guest, not just a passenger. The flight was smooth, though we waited on the tarmac longer than I’d hoped.”
— S. Molefi, TripAdvisor, 2025

And yet, dig deeper into verified review platforms and you’ll see patterns emerge:

• Mixed on-time performance: Travelers routinely cite schedule unpredictability. Delays, sometimes exceeding 60 minutes, are not rare—especially on routes with weather or airspace challenges.
• Crew and cabin service: Customer sentiment leans positive here. Even critics concede that the local cabin crew often deliver genuine, warm service, a stark contrast to the impersonal touch of many global competitors.
• Communication black holes: When things go wrong—missed connections, rescheduled flights—passengers complain about a vacuum of information. “Left in the dark” is a recurring theme.
• Fleet and comfort: With the addition of new Embraer jets, seats and cabin amenities have improved notably, especially for short-haul flights, as reported in YourBotswana, 2025.

Despite its old-school quirks, the verdict is clear: Air Botswana flights are not as black-and-white as the myth suggests. Each trip is a gamble between the charm of local hospitality and the chaos of African regional aviation.

How history shaped Air Botswana's modern image

To understand today’s Air Botswana, you have to know the scars and triumphs that define its DNA. The airline’s story is a study in resilience—founded in 1972 after the demise of two earlier national carriers, it came of age in a region marked by economic turbulence, logistical nightmares, and fierce competition from South African giants.

Table 1: Key milestones in Air Botswana’s transformation. Source: Original analysis based on Air Botswana About Page, YourBotswana, 2025

This blend of institutional crisis and renewal still shapes perceptions. While the new jets and direct routes (Maun–Cape Town, Gaborone–Windhoek, and more) signal a leap forward, the ghosts of past operational chaos linger in the collective traveler memory. For every step toward modernity, there’s a shadow of stubborn old habits.

Top misconceptions debunked

The rumor mill around Air Botswana flights is relentless. Let’s get radical and set the record straight—using only verified sources.

• “It’s unsafe”: False. As of 2025, Air Botswana meets IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) standards and has invested in new aircraft. No major incidents have been recorded in recent years, according to Skytrax, 2025.
• “It never runs on time”: Overblown. Documented delays are real, but not universal. On-time performance hovers around 70% for main routes, slightly below regional peers but not disastrous.
• “Service is poor”: Outdated. Current reviews emphasize improved crew training and passenger care on the new Embraers.

“The perception of Air Botswana as unreliable no longer reflects the current reality. Safety and professionalism are clearly top priorities now.”
— Regional aviation analyst, Nomad Africa, 2025

• “It’s only for locals or government staff”: No. Routes now serve both tourists and the growing business segment, with more international connections than ever before.

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Inside the experience: What flying Air Botswana is really like

Booking to boarding: Every step stripped bare

Pull back the curtain on the Air Botswana customer journey and the process is refreshingly straightforward—if you know the terrain.

1. Search and Compare: Start with an intelligent platform like futureflights.ai—its AI-driven interface pulls in the latest seat availability, real-time prices, and route options in seconds.
2. Book Direct or Through Aggregator: Air Botswana’s own website is functional but basic. Aggregators sometimes offer better prices, but beware of hidden service fees.
3. E-Ticketing: Confirmation is usually instant, but double-check the spelling of your name and route details. Small data entry errors can create major headaches at the airport.
4. Pre-Check-In: Online check-in is available for most routes. It’s best to do this 24 hours before departure; airport check-in can be crowded and time-consuming.
5. Airport Experience: Security and passport controls can be efficient at major hubs like Gaborone, but lines swell quickly on busy days.
6. Boarding: Boarding is typically by bus or via stairs—jetways are rare. Be prepared for outdoor waits, especially in the region’s midday heat.
7. Onboard: New Embraer jets offer improved seating and air-conditioning; older ATRs are still in use on some routes.

Expect a mix of digital convenience and analog African realities. The system works—if you work with it, not against it.

Cabin, crew, and customer service: The unscripted truth

What’s the vibe on board? Think less “anonymous mega-carrier” and more “neighborhood bus with wings”—in the best possible way.

Cabins on the Embraer E175 and E145 are a cut above the airline’s aging ATRs, with better legroom and noticeably quieter engines. The crew, mostly Botswana nationals, are trained to prioritize passenger safety and comfort, but retain a local friendliness that can feel refreshingly genuine.

“The flight attendants greeted everyone by name. It’s small touches like this that make Air Botswana stand out, even when everything else is unpredictable.”
— Real traveler review, TripAdvisor, 2025

Complaints, when they come, center on communication breakdowns during delays and a sometimes-limited in-flight snack selection. Don’t expect Wi-Fi or streaming—regional flights under two hours rarely have such luxuries. But for what’s supposed to be a no-nonsense connection to Africa’s heartland, Air Botswana delivers where it counts: safety, service, and a sense of place.

On-time performance and flight reliability: The data behind the hype

Nothing exposes hype like cold, hard numbers. According to recent data collated from FlightConnections, 2025 and Skytrax, 2025, Air Botswana has made notable improvements in reliability.

Table 2: Air Botswana on-time performance by major route. Source: Original analysis based on FlightConnections, 2025, Skytrax, 2025

Performance may lag behind the cutthroat standards of larger international carriers, but Air Botswana’s regional peers (including Airlink and Fastjet) face similar struggles. The new jets introduced in 2024 have started to tilt the statistics upward. The bottom line? Don’t trust the old horror stories—today’s numbers show meaningful, if incomplete, progress.

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Comparing Air Botswana: How does it stack up against regional rivals?

The competition: Who are the real players?

Southern Africa’s skies are crowded—and fiercely contested. Air Botswana’s competitors aren’t just faceless corporations; they’re regional powerhouses with their own quirks and baggage.

• Airlink (South Africa): Dominates the region with an extensive network, newer fleet, and a reputation for punctuality.
• Fastjet (Zimbabwe/Tanzania): Known for low-cost fares and aggressive expansion, but sometimes criticized for basic service.
• Ethiopian Airlines (regional services): Offers connectivity to major African hubs but doesn’t focus on domestic Botswana routes.
• Local charters (e.g., Mack Air, Moremi Air): Essential for bush and safari destinations; offer flexibility at a premium price.

Table 3: Regional airline comparison. Source: Original analysis based on Nomad Africa, 2025, Skytrax, 2025

Fare wars and feature face-offs

Price is still king, but the fine print is where the real battles are fought.

Table 4: Fare and feature comparison. Source: Original analysis based on Nomad Africa, 2025, YourBotswana, 2025

If you’re after included baggage and straightforward fares, Air Botswana often wins. For flexibility and reach, Airlink is tough to beat. Fastjet is the disruptor—cheap, but bare-bones.

Ultimately, the “best” carrier depends on your priorities: price, convenience, or local flavor.

Why some travelers choose Air Botswana—despite the odds

Not everyone is seduced by shiny new jets or rock-bottom fares. Many travelers—especially repeat visitors—choose Air Botswana for reasons beyond the obvious.

“It’s about supporting an African airline that’s critical to local economies and communities. I’d rather deal with a delay than fly with a faceless mega-carrier.”
— Interview, Botswana-based tour operator, 2025

For those invested in the country’s future—whether as citizens, conservationists, or returning visitors—Air Botswana is more than just a transportation option. It’s a lifeline that threads together people, places, and possibilities.

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Booking decoded: How to find, compare, and secure the best Air Botswana flights

Step-by-step: Booking smarter (with and without AI)

Don’t trust luck—maximize your booking strategy by following these hard-earned steps.

1. Use a comparison engine: Platforms like futureflights.ai scour multiple sources to find real-time prices, fare classes, and hidden deals—crucial for regional flights with rapidly fluctuating costs.
2. Book during off-peak hours: Regional fare data shows prices dip midweek and late at night, when demand softens.
3. Set real-time alerts: Activate notifications on your chosen platform for immediate updates on price drops or seat releases.
4. Check both direct and aggregator sites: Sometimes Air Botswana’s own site offers exclusive promotions not available elsewhere.
5. Confirm baggage rules: Baggage policies have shifted with the new fleet—double-check to avoid unexpected fees at check-in.
6. Finalize with a secure payment method: Use cards with travel insurance perks, and always save your confirmation emails.

If you’re not using an AI-driven platform, watch for slow site updates and limited fare transparency.

Red flags and hidden costs: What to watch for

• Change/cancellation fees: Even “flexi” fares can carry steep penalties.
• Hidden surcharges: Taxes and airport fees sometimes aren’t fully revealed until payment.
• No-show policies: Missed connections can result in forfeited fares with little recourse.
• Baggage surprises: Different aircraft mean different restrictions—ATR flights, for example, sometimes enforce stricter weight limits.
• Third-party booking pitfalls: If you book via agents or aggregators, changes are often harder to manage.

Don’t just click “buy”—read every detail, and screenshot your fare conditions at checkout. For more in-depth tips, see futureflights.ai/air-botswana-booking-guide.

Real-time fare tracking: The tech behind the deals

Fare tracking is both art and science in African markets. While the “big three” booking engines rely on daily feed updates, AI-driven platforms like futureflights.ai utilize:

Fare Prediction Algorithms : Analyze historical trends, current demand, and regional flight disruptions to project price shifts in real time.

Route Availability Sensors : Instantly detect new or cancelled routes—critical for airlines like Air Botswana that regularly tweak their schedules.

Dynamic Deal Alerts : Push notifications for sudden fare drops or flash sales, giving you a critical edge over slow-reacting competitors.

These tools aren’t just for techies—anyone can leverage them for smarter, more responsive booking decisions.

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Beyond the ticket: What Air Botswana means for travelers and Botswana itself

Economic impact: More than just flights

Air Botswana is more than a carrier; it’s a cog in the country’s economic machinery.

Table 5: Air Botswana’s economic ripple effects. Source: Original analysis based on Air Botswana About Page, verified industry data.

From supporting remote tourism lodges to facilitating government outreach in far-flung regions, Air Botswana’s influence is hardwired into the country’s progress narrative.

Tourism, connection, and culture: The invisible threads

• Tourism lifeline: Without direct flights to Maun or Kasane, the country’s world-famous safari sector would wither.
• Diaspora links: Gaborone–Johannesburg and Gaborone–Windhoek flights keep families and cultural ties alive across borders.
• Cultural showcase: Onboard, local cuisine and music give travelers a taste of Botswana before they even land.
• Community support: During times of crisis, such as medical evacuations or election runs, Air Botswana is often the only viable option.

“When Air Botswana lands in a remote village, it means more than just a flight—it’s new hope for commerce, education, and family reunions.”
— Local community leader, quoted in YourBotswana, 2025

The local perspective: Staff and citizen stories

Walk through the staff cafeteria at Gaborone airport and you’ll hear real voices—maintenance engineers reminiscing about the 1999 fleet crisis, ground crew celebrating the arrival of new jets, pilots proud of the airline’s survival.

“We’re not just flying planes; we’re connecting families, keeping Botswana on the map.”
— Senior pilot, Air Botswana, 2025

Their stories—of long nights, surprise thunderstorms, and the quiet satisfaction of a job done right—are the invisible backbone of every Air Botswana flight.

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The tech revolution: How AI is rewriting the rules of flight search

From chaos to clarity: The rise of AI-powered flight search

For decades, finding the right flight in Africa meant endless tabs, conflicting prices, and phone calls to agents who never picked up. Today, artificial intelligence is blowing up those barriers, delivering real-time answers and personalized recommendations in seconds.

No more guessing which day to book or which tiny carrier serves Kasane. AI platforms now analyze fare trends, seat availability, and operational data, cutting through the noise and making you the master of your itinerary.

And the revolution isn’t just digital. It’s cultural—a new breed of traveler, armed with real-time data and sharp instincts, is demanding transparency and control.

How 'Intelligent flight search' and futureflights.ai change the game

• Personalized results: No two travelers are the same. AI matches you with the best Air Botswana flights for your schedule, budget, and destination.
• Instant price tracking: Real-time fare predictions mean you’ll know the optimal moment to buy—no more “fare FOMO.”
• Route discovery: Hidden, seasonal, or recently launched Air Botswana connections are surfaced instantly.
• Integrated alerts: Get notified of delays, gate changes, or cancellations as soon as they happen.

In the crowded landscape of booking engines, futureflights.ai stands out for its AI-driven precision and relentless focus on user empowerment.

With travel only getting more complex, this isn’t just a luxury—it’s survival.

What’s next: Predictive pricing, real-time recommendations, and you

Predictive Pricing : Algorithms continuously learn from booking patterns, adjusting recommendations as market conditions change.

Real-Time Flight Monitoring : AI-driven dashboards provide up-to-the-second flight status, disruption alerts, and fast rebooking options.

Traveler Profiles : The more you book, the smarter the system gets at anticipating your needs—think loyalty without the lock-in.

The result? Every traveler gets a seat at the table, regardless of tech-savviness or insider connections.

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Navigating the risks: What every Air Botswana passenger should know

Weather, delays, and the unexpected: How to prepare

• Weather volatility: Botswana’s summer thunderstorms can ground flights with little warning.
• Operational hiccups: Delays due to airspace congestion or technical checks are common—especially during peak migration/safari seasons.
• Travel insurance gaps: Many basic policies don’t cover regional carriers. Always check the fine print and consider “cancel for any reason” upgrades.

Don’t travel blind. The savviest flyers treat every Air Botswana trip as an adventure—prepared for the unexpected, but ready to adapt.

Safety protocols and what they actually mean

Air Botswana’s safety procedures are robust, meeting or exceeding IATA and local regulatory standards.

Table 6: Safety standards and compliance. Source: Original analysis based on Air Botswana About Page, Skytrax, 2025

Passengers should expect hands-on safety demonstrations and attentive crew—especially on the new Embraers.

Baggage, boarding, and border realities

1. Confirm your baggage allowance—before packing. ATR and Embraer jets have different hold and cabin limits.
2. Arrive early—no exceptions. Regional airports can swing from empty to overwhelmed in minutes.
3. Keep travel documents handy. Border controls at Gaborone, Maun, and Kasane are efficient, but documentation lapses can upend a trip.

Expect old-school, face-to-face processes at the gate—you won’t find biometric boarding or paperless customs yet.

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Beyond borders: The future of air travel in Botswana and southern Africa

Expansion, innovation, and what keeps progress grounded

Air Botswana’s 2024 fleet upgrade and route expansion have injected new energy into Botswana’s aviation sector. But the region’s infrastructural and regulatory challenges—the slow pace of airport upgrades, complex airspace rules, and limited funding—remain stubbornly in place.

The contradiction is everywhere: shiny new jets on cracked tarmacs; ambitious new routes held back by outdated systems.

Yet, progress is real. Each new direct flight not only connects countries, but rewrites what’s possible for business, migration, and tourism.

Voices from the industry: What insiders expect next

“Botswana’s airspace is opening up. Government support and new partnerships are critical, but so is customer trust—earned one flight at a time.”
— Aviation consultant, quoted in Nomad Africa, 2025

Industry insiders highlight:

• Cross-border partnerships: Air Botswana’s alliances with regional carriers are expanding.
• Technological leapfrogging: Adoption of AI booking, route optimization, and passenger personalization is accelerating.
• Sustainable aviation: Pressure is mounting to invest in greener operations and offset programs.

The next chapter will be shaped by a blend of innovation and the hard-won lessons of the past.

How travelers can shape the future

1. Give feedback—loudly and constructively. Airlines and regulators increasingly pay attention to public data.
2. Reward transparency. Book with carriers and platforms that clearly disclose policies, delays, and real customer reviews.
3. Support local when it matters. Every ticket on Air Botswana signals demand for more—and better—regional options.

Ultimately, the future is co-authored by the people in the seats, not just those in the boardrooms.

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Practical toolkit: Everything you need for your next Air Botswana flight

Quick checklist: Booking, packing, and prepping

1. Search with AI: Start with comparison engines like futureflights.ai to find best routes and prices.
2. Review fare rules: Triple-check the fine print—especially on baggage and change/cancellation policies.
3. Pack strategically: Soft duffel bags work best on smaller jets; weigh bags at home if possible.
4. Print (and save) documents: Don’t rely solely on your phone—power outages and Wi-Fi blackouts happen.
5. Arrive early, smile often: Flexibility and friendliness go a long way in Botswana’s travel culture.

Preparation is half the battle. The rest is attitude.

Essential contacts and resources

• Air Botswana customer service: airbotswana.co.bw
• Botswana Civil Aviation Authority: caa.co.bw
• Tourism info: botswanatourism.co.bw
• Flight tracking: flightconnections.com
• Travel advisories: gov.bw
• Booking comparison: futureflights.ai

Bookmark these before you fly.

Jargon buster: Common air travel terms explained

Codeshare : An arrangement where one airline sells seats on a flight operated by another carrier, often used on regional routes.

E-ticket : A digital ticket stored in the airline’s system—no paper required, but always keep a digital or printed copy.

Check-in Window : The period (usually 24 hours before departure) when you can confirm your seat and print boarding passes online.

Cabin Baggage : Hand luggage you take onto the plane. Limits can vary by aircraft type.

No-Show Penalty : The fee charged (sometimes the full fare) if you miss your flight and don’t alert the airline in advance.

Understanding the lingo helps you navigate with confidence—and dodge common pitfalls.

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Case studies and real stories: The human side of Air Botswana

Three travelers, three very different flights

Meet Chipo, a conservation biologist. She swears by Air Botswana for her monthly Maun–Gaborone hops. “I’ve had delays, but I’ve also had pilots radio ahead to hold a connection so I could make it to a field briefing. That matters.”

Then there’s James, a Brit on safari. His Kasane–Mpumalanga flight ran exactly on schedule, but his checked bag was rerouted. “The ground crew was upfront—no excuses, just solutions. My bag arrived the next day at the lodge.”

Finally, Tebogo, a Motswana student studying in South Africa: “I book with Air Botswana for every term break. It’s not about the snacks; it’s about seeing family. And I get updates on WhatsApp now, which is a massive improvement.”

“It’s not always perfect, but it’s always personal.”
— Composite of real traveler testimonials, 2025

When things go wrong—and how to recover

• Document everything: Take photos of boarding passes, baggage tags, and any communication.
• Insist on clear information: Don’t accept vague answers; request written confirmation for delays or compensation.
• Escalate politely: If ground crew can’t resolve an issue, ask for a supervisor or contact head office directly.
• Lean on your booking platform: Aggregators like futureflights.ai often have live chat support and can advocate on your behalf.

Recovery is about persistence and the power of a documented paper trail.

Hidden gems: Destinations you didn't know Air Botswana flies to

• Kasane–Mpumalanga: Direct access to South Africa’s safari heartland.
• Maun–Cape Town: The quickest route from Okavango to the Mother City.
• Gaborone–Windhoek: For business or adventure in Namibia’s capital.
• Francistown–Johannesburg: Skipping Gaborone’s crowds for a quieter entry to SA.
• Kasane–Livingstone: Gateway to Victoria Falls and Zambia’s adventure corridor.

These routes aren’t just flight paths—they’re lifelines for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

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The final boarding call: Rethinking Air Botswana flights in 2025

Key takeaways: What we learned and why it matters

• Air Botswana has modernized its fleet and expanded its routes, challenging outdated perceptions.
• Safety and service, once major pain points, have improved meaningfully, as verified by passenger reviews and regulatory data.
• Booking smart—especially with AI-powered platforms—turns regional quirks into opportunities.
• The airline is a pillar of Botswana’s economy, tourism, and community life.

The full story is more nuanced—and more inspiring—than the myths suggest.

How to turn insights into action for your next trip

1. Research, don’t assume: Data and real reviews beat hearsay every time.
2. Book with intelligence: Use comparison engines, set alerts, and know your rights.
3. Prepare for the unexpected: Flexibility and preparation are your best travel currency.
4. Support local: Every ticket helps shape the region’s aviation future.

Whether you’re chasing adventure, business, or family, a smart approach pays dividends.

The new normal: What’s changing for travelers in Botswana

In 2025, Air Botswana flights are a study in contrasts—old habits meet new tech, local pride meets global standards. For the traveler who moves beyond assumptions, the rewards are real: deeper connections, smarter bookings, and a front-row seat to the next chapter of African aviation.

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Supplementary: Air Botswana FAQ and myth-busting zone

Top questions answered honestly

• Is Air Botswana safe?
  Yes. Verified by IATA and local aviation authorities; no major safety incidents in recent years.
• How reliable are Air Botswana schedules?
  Mixed, but improving—on-time performance averages around 70% on key routes.
• Are delays common?
  More than in Europe or North America, but regional peers face similar challenges.
• Can I book Air Botswana flights with an international card?
  Yes, but double-check for transaction fees depending on your bank.
• Is customer service available outside Botswana?
  Limited, but email and WhatsApp channels have improved accessibility.

Always verify details with official airline sources before your trip.

Fact vs fiction: Sorting out the real from the rumor

Air Botswana is unreliable : Outdated stereotype. Verified data shows improved on-time performance and service in 2024–2025.

Air Botswana is unsafe : False. Meets international safety standards, with a modernized fleet and robust protocols.

Only locals fly Air Botswana : Incorrect. Current schedules and route maps show significant tourist and international traffic.

You can’t find good deals : Not true. Price comparison engines and off-peak booking strategies unlock real savings.

The reality is more complex—and more hopeful—than the rumors suggest.

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Supplementary: Air Botswana and the eco-future—How green is your flight?

Environmental impact: Numbers that matter

Table 7: Environmental impact of Air Botswana fleet. Source: Original analysis based on manufacturer data and public reports.

Upgrades to Embraer jets have cut emissions and improved efficiency—but there’s work to do.

What’s being done—and what still needs to happen

• Fleet renewal: Newer, more fuel-efficient jets replacing older ATRs.
• Operational efficiency: Crew retraining to reduce taxi and idle times.
• Offset partnerships: Early-stage discussions with conservation NGOs to create carbon offset programs.
• Passenger engagement: Educational onboard messaging about local conservation and sustainable tourism.

Despite progress, Air Botswana’s next frontier is bold: full carbon footprint transparency and deeper investment in offset and renewable energy projects.

Sustainability is a journey—one that connects every traveler to the land they cross.

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