Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira
Senior Reporter
THE Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) has embarked on an ambitious programme to attract at least four new airlines every year and open six new routes, half of them international, as it works towards positioning the country as a destination of choice by 2030.
The company says the plan is part of its broader strategy to facilitate increased passenger and cargo movement in line with rising global demand for air travel and Zimbabwe’s goal of becoming the regional hub for airport services.
To accelerate this growth, ACZ is seeking organisations or individuals with proven experience to provide Air Services Development (ASD) Consultancy Services to drive passenger numbers and route expansion.
The invitation for expressions of interest was recently published in the Government Gazette.
“The objective of the Air Service Development is to increase aircraft, passenger and cargo business at all airports operated by ACZ,” reads the invitation.
“The ASD consultant will ensure the full implementation of the Air Service Development Plan which was developed by the Canadian Pacific Consultancy Services (CPCS) under International Finance Co-operation (IFC) which is under the World Bank Programme in 2023.”
The consultant’s mandate will include institutionalising the current plan, reigniting the ASD Programme, attending and supporting “Routes World” aviation forums, and preparing business cases for targeted airlines.
Consultants will also assist in establishing strong, sustainable ASD committees for each airport, bringing together all relevant stakeholders.
The expected outcomes include a structured implementation matrix for the development plan, preparation of compelling business cases to be presented at international aviation forums, and preliminary assistance in developing and implementing a cargo business growth strategy.
“Some of the expected outcomes is to attract a minimum of four airlines per annum of which two should be international (outside Africa).
“Establishment of six new routes of which three should be outside Africa.”
ACZ was established in 2018 after being unbundled from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ).
Since then, it has been putting in place governance frameworks aligned to the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act while ensuring compliance with relevant legal requirements.
The company says the new airline attraction programme will be critical in cementing Zimbabwe’s position as a competitive aviation hub and ensuring its airports meet international standards by the end of the decade.
