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Zambia Airways has launched its inaugural regional flight into Harare, Zimbabwe, signaling the re-entry into the international air space.
The Airline was re-launched in December, 2021 by the Minister of Transport and Logistics was until now operating domestic flights.
Read more: Zambian Airways gets permit to ply South African route, adds additional aircraft to fleet
Aboard was Zambia Monitor correspondent, senior government official and other delegates, took off at 07:30 hours at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) in Lusaka on Tuesday.
The flight lasted for 50 minutes to the amazement of the first passengers aboard the flight.
The Airline which last flew to Zimbabwe in 1996 is expected to fly into Harare on a daily basis and hopes to start connecting to Johannesburg in South Africa soon, according to Company Chief Executive Officer, Abiy Asrat Jiru.
Jiru said the maiden flight to Harare also signals that the airline is back in the aviation industry and management is happy with the support it has been getting from the Zambian government.
“This flight is a game changer and will excite customers especially that with this route Lusaka and Harare will also support the economic growth of both countries through the tourism sector,” he said.
Speaking during the launch of the flight in Harare, Zimbabwe on Tuesday, Jiru said the Airline wants to service the Southern Africa region and the inaugural flight into that country signals the journey.
Zambia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics acting Permanent Secretary Stephen Mbewe has commended the airline for sticking to it’s vision of expanding it’s wings in the region and pledged government’s support to it’s operations.
“Zambia and Zimbabwe are twins, honourable Minister you recall we have a beautiful company called ZIZA, for most of you who do not know, we have a joint company owned by our sister Ministries of Transport called the Zimbabwe Zambia and we are very grateful for our two airport corporations for the collaborations,” he said
Officiating at the event, Zimbabwe Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Micheal Madiro said Air transport, leveraged by robust airport infrastructure is pivotal to the economic growth of both countries.
“The aesthetic glamour and attractive splendor of airport infrastructure is a guaranteed nectar of tourism leading to other positives such as trade and regional integration,” Madiro said.
Contributed by Augustine Sichula
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