Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
ZIMBABWE has signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (Basa) with the Kingdom of Eswatni which is set to bolster regional connectivity and economic cooperation.
The agreement paves the way for enhanced air transport links between the two nations, fostering trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
The agreement was signed by the two countries’ Civil Aviation authorities at the recently held African Indian Ocean (AFI) Aviation Week in Victoria Falls.
It establishes a legal framework for scheduled air services, allowing designated airlines from both countries to operate freely between Eswatini and Zimbabwe.
It also grants critical traffic rights, including the ability to extend services beyond their territories under fifth freedom rights, particularly for cargo operations.
In an interview, Mr George Mashababe, Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (Caaz) hailed the agreement as a milestone for regional aviation.
“A Bilateral Air Service Agreement is an agreement that is used to provide for scheduled air services between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of Zimbabwe. It provides a platform whereby airlines can now freely do business.
“It provides for the co-operation in aviation between our two countries. It also provides charter services and related issues,” he said.
Mr Mashababe said the agreement will stimulate airlines business between the two countries while regularising the already exiting relations.
“We have Eswatini Airways, the Royal Airline of Eswatini, which flies into Zimbabwe, so this agreement further regularises existing relations between our two countries, giving them room to even expand services to other countries on fifth freedom or other traffic rights that they might exercise on that route and beyond,” he said.
The Basa outlines several critical provisions to facilitate seamless air travel and economic benefits that include unrestricted frequency and capacity.
Under Article 8(3) of the agreement,
“There shall be no limits on the number of frequencies and capacity offered on air service linking any intra-African city pair combinations between the Contracting Parties.”
This means airlines can operate as many flights as they deem commercially viable thereby boosting connectivity.
The agreement also clarifies that designated airlines can exercise full third, fourth, and fifth freedom rights within Africa for passengers, cargo, and/or mail operations while cargo carriers enjoy even broader seventh freedom rights within Africa and beyond.
Furthermore, the agreement is set to ensure fair competition and non-discrimination as entailed in article 8(1) which ensures fair and equitable treatment for airlines, prohibiting discriminatory practices that could undermine competition.
Article 10 further allows airlines to set fares based on market forces, with minimal government interference, ensuring competitive pricing for travellers.
Under the agreement both nations commit to upholding international safety standards (Article 16) and combating unlawful interference (Article 17), ensuring passenger confidence.
Mr Mashababe said the agreement is expected to stimulate trade and tourism by reducing logistical barriers.
Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls and Eswatini’s scenic landscapes stand to gain from increased air traffic, while businesses will benefit from smoother cargo operations.
With the agreement now in force, airlines from both nations can expand their routes. Eswatini Airways, already operating in Zimbabwe, may introduce new destinations, while Zimbabwean carriers could explore opportunities in Eswatini and beyond under fifth freedom rights.
Meanwhile, Caaz has also signed a Management Service Agreement with the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
The Basa marks a significant step in deepening ties between Eswatini and Zimbabwe, aligning with the broader African Union Agenda 2063 for integrated transport networks. — @nyeve14
