Aviation sector lauds 2nd Republic

THE aviation industry in Zimbabwe has commended the Second Republic for its role in growing the economy, expanding the middle class, and developing world-class airport infrastructure, which has significantly boosted demand for aviation services.

Fastjet Zimbabwe board chairman, Mr Farai Mutamangira, expressed this while speaking at a recent event in Victoria Falls to celebrate the introduction of a new Airbus A320 aircraft into the airline’s fleet.

He praised the Government’s efforts in growing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to approximately US$60 billion, up from around US$20 billion eight years ago.

The massive economic expansion, he said, has been pivotal in creating a robust middle class that is driving demand for air travel.

“The aviation market in Zimbabwe has grown and continues to grow,” said Mr Mutamangira.

“We have massively supported the country and the economy by keeping the domestic network connected, as well as the regional network. We acknowledge the amazing work that has been done by the Government in growing the economy from around US$20 billion eight years ago to now at least US$60 billion.

“In the process of growing the economy, the Government has delivered a fairly robust middle class. That middle class is at the centre of the consumptive demand for aviation services. We cannot grow as an airline if the economy where we are based is also not growing.”

The Fastjet chairman further highlighted the contribution of the Zimbabwean diaspora, estimated at five million, with three million in South Africa and two million across the globe.

This community, he said, represents a significant and consistent source of demand for air travel back home.

“In addition to the middle class, we have a large diaspora community. We estimate our diaspora community is five million, of which three million are in South Africa and two million across the globe,” said Mr Mutamangira.

“Assuming each one would need to visit their home country at least once every two years, this combined with the growth in the middle class provides huge demand for our services. If you add on to that the two million-plus tourists arriving in this country annually, then we have a well-defined market ready to serve.”

He also noted the approximately two million tourists arriving in the country annually as another key driver of demand.

Mr Mutamangira further highlighted the significant revamp of airport infrastructure across the country as a key enabler for the industry’s growth, describing most of them as now world-class assets.

The remarks come as the aviation sector enjoys a strong resurgence, driven by Government investment.

The completion of the US$153 million upgrade of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport has expanded capacity to about six million passengers per year and positioned Zimbabwe as a potential regional aviation hub.

While lauding the Government’s Open Skies Policy for fostering competition, Mr Mutamangira called for its implementation to be balanced to protect local carriers, particularly on the Harare-Johannesburg route where four South African airlines currently operate.

“Now, one key area I must mention is the policy relating to the Open Skies Policy. The Open Skies Policy is good, but there are elements we need to address.

“We want to emphasise that the policy must embrace the values of reciprocity and balance, particularly on a bilateral basis. Specifically regarding the Harare-Johannesburg sector, we must ensure local carriers are not crowded out.

“As we speak, we have four South African airlines flying into Harare: Yosemite, South Air, Perelink, and South African Airways. This is a disproportionate balance.

“We make this point because local operators need breathing space in that sector to continuously provide our domestic services,” he said.