Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
THE introduction of an Airbus A320-200 by fastjet Zimbabwe on its Johannesburg-Harare and Victoria Falls-Johannesburg routes is expected to enhance regional air connectivity and support the continued growth of national tourism and aviation sectors.
The 168-seater aircraft made its maiden flights on Sunday, landing at Victoria Falls International Airport in the morning before touching down at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare in the evening.
The arrival of the larger aircraft comes at a time when passenger traffic is expected to increase during the peak travel months of August and September.
Government officials and industry stakeholders have welcomed the development, describing it as another milestone in Zimbabwe’s efforts to strengthen its aviation industry and position itself as a regional transport hub.
Speaking at a welcome ceremony held at Victoria Falls International Airport, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said the aviation sector remained a key enabler of economic transformation under Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2.
The minister said July had been a landmark month for Zimbabwe’s aviation industry, citing a series of developments that underscored the sector’s growing momentum.
These included Fastjet Zimbabwe’s Interline Agreement with Etihad Airways, the successful hosting of the Single African Air Transport Market Airshow in Harare, the resumption of Air Zimbabwe’s direct Harare-London service, the introduction of the Airbus A320 into Fastjet’s operations and the hosting of the Zimbabwe Aviation Development and Taxation Forum.
“It is evident that under the Second Republic, Zimbabwe is re-emerging to claim its rightful place on the aviation map,” said Minister Mhona.
He said aviation had evolved beyond simply transporting passengers and cargo and was now a strategic driver of trade, tourism, investment, regional integration and job creation.
Victoria Falls, he noted, was an example of how improved air connectivity can stimulate tourism growth and wider economic activity.
Minister Mhona said Government remained focused on modernising aviation infrastructure, improving safety oversight, liberalising the aviation market and reducing the cost of doing business in the sector.
He revealed that authorities were working on measures to review landing fees and other aviation-related charges following concerns raised by airlines during the Zimbabwe Aviation Development and Taxation Forum held in Harare last month.
He also encouraged collaboration among aviation players, urging Air Zimbabwe and Fastjet Zimbabwe to work together to ensure the success of the recently relaunched Harare-London route.
According to the minister, Fastjet’s domestic and regional network has the potential to feed passengers into the long-haul service, improving its viability and reach.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi described the introduction of the Airbus A320 as a major vote of confidence in Zimbabwe’s economy and tourism potential. Represented by her deputy, Tongai Mnangagwa, Minister Rwodzi said the aircraft symbolised far more than an expansion of Fastjet’s fleet.
“It is a strong vote of confidence in Zimbabwe’s economy, our tourism potential, and our shared vision for sustainable growth.
“Today, we celebrate not merely an aircraft, but a strategic investment in connectivity, economic development and national competitiveness,” she said.
She added that tourism and aviation were closely linked sectors, with each depending on the other to unlock its full potential.
Fastjet Zimbabwe chairman Mr Farai Mutamangira said the airline had played an important role in stimulating demand and expanding air travel over the past decade.
