Online Reporter
Chipo Sabeta in LONDON, United Kingdom
AIR Zimbabwe has resumed flights to London after a 16-year absence, with its aircraft landing at Gatwick Airport yesterday morning, marking the national carrier’s return to direct long-haul operations.
The relaunch of the key international route has been welcomed by the Government as a major step towards improving connectivity, tourism, trade and investment links between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom, home to one of the country’s largest Diaspora communities.
Aboard the inaugural flight was Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, Air Zimbabwe board chairman Dr Silvanos Gwarinda, the airline’s chief executive officer Edmund Makona, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Tongai Mnangagwa, Government officials and senior airline representatives.
The aircraft touched down at Gatwick at 9am, restoring a direct connection between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom after the route was suspended 16 years ago.
Minister Mhona said the service would strengthen Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, facilitate trade and investment and improve links with citizens living abroad.
“This is a proud moment for Zimbabwe and a significant step in reconnecting our country with the world. The return of Air Zimbabwe to the London route strengthens tourism, trade, investment and diaspora links.”
He said the direct service would reduce travel times and provide greater convenience for passengers travelling between the two countries.
“To the Zimbabwean community in the diaspora, we are talking about restoring connectivity. Now, in just 10 hours, we are in London and back home soon.”
He said improved transport links were critical to economic development across sectors including agriculture, mining and tourism.
“When you talk of transport, it is an economic enabler. In terms of cost implications, it has been reduced. We are bringing our people at a cheaper and reasonable price,” he said.
The Minister said the route would also support exports of Zimbabwean agricultural products into the United Kingdom and European markets.
He said the service would provide opportunities for exporters of products such as blueberries, flowers and fresh vegetables by reducing transport times for perishable goods.
“Any farmer would want the shelf life to be shortened when you are talking of perishables. We transport overnight and in the morning, when shops open, they deliver,” Minister Mhona said.
He said the inaugural flight carried agricultural cargo, including blueberries, and described Europe as an important market for Zimbabwean produce.
The London route is being operated using an Airbus A330-300 aircraft supplied through a wet-lease agreement with Spanish airline Plus Ultra.
The arrangement allows Air Zimbabwe to resume long-haul operations without owning a wide-body aircraft.
The airline will face competition from established carriers serving the Zimbabwe-United Kingdom markets.
Industry observers say the success of the route will depend on financial discipline, operational reliability, effective governance and the airline’s ability to achieve long-term commercial sustainability.
The inaugural arrival at Gatwick was attended by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Retired Colonel Christian Katsande, Deputy Head of Mission Levi Mukono, officials from the Zimbabwean Embassy and Air Zimbabwe representatives.
