Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe
Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Airports Company of Zimbabwe (Private) Limited (ACZ) plans to engage a reputable experienced consultant to support the implementation of its Air Services Development (ASD) plan, as part of a broader strategy to grow passenger and cargo traffic across the country’s airports.
ACZ believes the Air Services Development plan will position Zimbabwe as a regional aviation hub by 2030.
Unbundled from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) in 2018, ACZ is establishing robust operational frameworks in line with the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10:31] and other statutory obligations.
In a tender notice calling for expressions of interest, ACZ said:
“In a drive towards attracting more airlines and passengers, the ACZ is inviting registered organisations/individuals with proven record of accomplishments, qualifications and experience to submit their expressions of interest for the provision of Air Services Development (ASD) Consultancy Services in Zimbabwe in order to drive passenger growth.”
The company plays a central role in facilitating both passenger and cargo movements, and is intensifying efforts to meet growing global aviation demand while enhancing Zimbabwe’s competitiveness as an aviation gateway.
The consultant will be tasked with fully implementing the Air Service Development Plan crafted in 2023 by Canadian Pacific Consultancy Services (CPCS) under the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group.
Key elements of the assignment include supporting and attending major aviation development platforms such as AviaDev and World Routes, identifying and developing business cases for new airline routes, institutionalising the ASD programme across airports and assisting in airline engagement and follow-ups, particularly with those not currently in negotiation with ACZ.
The consultant will also be required to help establish strong and sustainable Air Service Development Committees for each airport, bringing together all relevant stakeholders.
Expected deliverables include implementation of the ASD Plan and its corresponding matrix, preparation of tailored business cases for targeted airlines, strategic input into the development and roll-out of a cargo business growth plan, and attraction of at least four new airlines per annum, including two international carriers.
The engagement is expected to lead to the launch of six new air routes annually, of which at least three should be outside Africa.
This strategic move underscores ACZ’s commitment to building a world-class airport system that supports economic growth, tourism and trade in Zimbabwe and the region.
