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Richard Muponde, Business Correspondent
LOW cost airline fastjet has commenced operations in Zimbabwe, a situation which will boost tourism which had been affected by lack of budget airlines servicing local routes.
Zimbabwe’s image as a safe tourist destination has improved over the years after successfully hosting the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), resulting in a number of airlines taking a keen interest in plying the Zimbabwe routes.
The airline was given an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ), giving it a licence to operate both domestic and international routes.
The airline will operate the Harare-Victoria Falls route three times a week, a situation stakeholders said would improve tourist arrivals in the resort town. CAAZ public relations manager Mrs Anna-Julia Hungwe confirmed the licensing of the company.
“It’s true that they have been licensed to operate in the country. They are going to launch on 28 October. It’s going to improve our tourism in a big way,” said Mrs Hungwe.
The airline’s chief executive Mr Ed Winter said in a statement:
“Adding a second fastjet airline to our network is an incredibly significant milestone on our path to becoming the most successful Pan-African low-cost airline. We recognised the real potential in Zimbabwe some time ago and have been working hard together with the relevant authorities towards this momentous day. With their support we are now in a position to launch our Zimbabwean operation. In Tanzania we have become the airline of choice, with an enviable operational reputation and market leading fares. I am confident that, with our proven low-cost model, we can replicate this success in Zimbabwe.”
Online Reporter