Walter Mhlanga
Harare – Zambia Airways Tuesday re-launched the Lusaka-Harare route, a move expected to improve connectivity between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
It was the first time in 16 years the airline landed at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport. The carrier, which stopped flights in 2007 will now operate passenger and cargo services daily between Lusaka and Harare.
Airports Company of Zimbabwe CEO, Tawanda Gusha said the move would help develop the regional aviation sector.
“We are excited to have Zambia Airways returning to Zimbabwe for the first time in more than a decade. We will continue to work together with Zambia as we develop the aviation industry in the region,” Gusha said.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Mike Madiro weighed in saying: “We are excited to witness the touching down of Zambia Airways. This connectivity between Zimbabwe and Zambia will facilitate tourism. Government is committed to support the airline.”
Zambia Airways CEO Abiy Asrat Jiru said: “Zambia Airways is back in Harare. We are coming with a unique and game changing service that will excite the customers.”
Acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Stephen Mbewe said the move to Harare was an easy one as the governments of Zimbabwe and Zambia owned a joint venture company called ZIZA.
“Zambia and Zimbabwe are twins. We have ZIZA, a joint company owned by the ministries of Transport for Zambia and Zimbabwe. We have been collaborating very well. With this flight, we intend to do this daily,” Mbewe said.
