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Freeman Razemba Senior Reporter
The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) has approved applications and granted Foreign Operator Permits (FOPs) to FlySafair and Cemair airlines.
The FOPs authorise the respective South African registered airlines to operate passenger and cargo operations in and outbound Harare and Victoria Falls.
In an interview, CAAZ director-general, Dr Elijah Chingosho, expressed confidence in the Government’s thrust for the aviation sector, which feeds into efforts to attain Vision 2030, in relation to the expansion of air connectivity.
“As the aviation regulator, we are fully committed to the growth of the aviation industry, positioning our economy for more trade, investment and tourism,” said Dr Chingosho.
“Granting of FOPs to these airlines will provide substantial benefits to the passenger such as fare savings, increased connectivity, more frequencies resulting in greater convenience and time savings.”
Finer details on the commencement date and frequencies of flights will be announced by the airlines soon.
In April, Eswatini applauded Zimbabwe’s open skies policy and the open for business mantra, after its airline was recently allowed to operate in the country.
Zimbabwe’s open skies policy, which enhances the country’s attractiveness to potential investment and tourism, continues to gain momentum and in April, the Royal Eswatini National Airways Corporation (RENAC), running Eswatini Air, began its maiden flight in Harare.
Government’s adoption of the open skies policy and improved business environment anchored on Zimbabwe’s open for business mantra, has seen confidence to invest in the country growing.
The airline joins a growing list of airlines establishing routes between Harare and various destinations.
Over 20 airlines are now flying into Zimbabwe following an improvement in the business environment since the coming in of the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa.
In March, Eswatini Air and Zambia Airways applied for and obtained foreign operator permits from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe.
The permits allowed the airlines to offer passenger and cargo services at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare.
Eswatini Air started flying into the country using two ERJ145s aircraft that link Manzini in Eswatini with Johannesburg in South Africa and Harare will start with flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona recently said the new development was a testament to the growing economic ties between Zimbabwe and the Kingdom of Eswatini, among other countries.
He said aviation contributes to the national GDP and the creation of employment, thereby contributing immensely to the attainment of the objectives of the National Development Strategy 1 (2021-2025).
Minister Mhona also applauded CAAZ, the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (Private) Limited, the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Climate and Hospitality Industry and the private sector for recognising, appreciating and partnering with the aviation industry in destination marketing and route development initiatives.
Online Reporter