Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Writer
Fastjet Zimbabwe successfully operated the inaugural Bulawayo to Victoria Falls flight, further strengthening the country’s domestic air network and linking the two cities.
The maiden flight took on Friday and will operate four times a week – on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays – using the airline’s Embraer ERJ aircraft.
The jet is recognised for its efficiency in regional routes, offering the right capacity for sustainable operations and will Zimbabwe’s industrial hub Bulawayo to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
In a statement, Fastjet Zimbabwe Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Ms Vivian Ruwuya said this has been a long time coming and they have been monitoring the development and traffic trends between the manufacturing city of Bulawayo and our tourism hub of Victoria Falls.
“Bulawayo and Victoria Falls just got closer to each other. Our Fastjet flights have made it possible for these two iconic destinations to be more accessible for both leisure and business travellers. As a result, tourists are now able to explore Matobo National Park and the Victoria Falls Rainforest in a single visit,” she said.
Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Tawanda Gusha said they were excited about the collaborative efforts between them, Fastjet Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), and the Bulawayo community to introduce the long-awaited Victoria Falls – Bulawayo route.
“It’s always motivating to see the results of our route development initiatives come to fruition. This flight will contribute immensely to the growth of national tourism,” he said.
Bulawayo leading Industrialist, Mr Busisa Moyo, said from a business perspective, Bulawayo provides key inputs and manufactured commodities that support households and power the Victoria Falls tourism industry, from vegetables, meat, chemicals, foodstuffs and human capital.
“Victoria Falls is also a gateway into Zambia, where various commodities are exported by Zimbabwean businesses and farmers. This flight has made the movement of such services and business travellers easier while providing the Bulawayo residents with a reliable flight option to Victoria Falls for leisure,” he said.
Londile Moyo