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Oliver Kazunga, Senior Business Reporter
FASTJET Zimbabwe has launched its first Victoria Falls-Johannesburg flight becoming the airline’s second international route from Zimbabwe and first international route from Victoria Falls.
The airline has said this was a milestone achievement in its growth plans.
“The route was launched on Friday in response to strong passenger and tour operator demand from within the South African market,” it said in a statement.
“Fastjet Zimbabwe has been engaging with South African tour operators to deliver inclusive packages to encourage more South African visitors to fly to Victoria Falls to enjoy the many adventure and safari activities available.
“Services between Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport and Victoria Falls International Airport now operate twice a week on Fridays and Sundays, using Fastjet Zimbabwe’s modern Airbus A319 jet aircraft with seating for up to 144 passengers.”
The airline’s flights will depart Victoria Falls at 1240hrs and land in Johannesburg at 1415hrs. The return flight from Johannesburg departs at 1455hrs and lands in Victoria Falls at 1635hrs.
Fastjet Zimbabwe recently increased the frequency of its flights from Harare to Johannesburg and now offers double daily flights on each day of the week — apart from the weekend — making a total of 24 flights per week between the two cities.
The airline’s director of flight operations Ed Lanca was quoted as saying:
“The Zimbabwean government has invested a substantial $150 million in upgrading Victoria Falls International Airport, with the intention of it becoming a gateway to central and Southern Africa.”
He added: “Fastjet Zimbabwe has already enjoyed the benefits of the upgrade to this magnificent airport with our domestic flights between Harare and Victoria Falls, and we’re looking forward to introducing international visitors to its world-class facilities.”
Fastjet Zimbabwe advised passengers to book early to take advantage of its lowest priced fares of $130 (ex-Victoria Falls) one-way, which includes all government and airport taxes.
These fares are significantly lower than those charged by airlines currently operating direct flights between the two countries.
“We believe that affordable air travel is key to the continued growth of tourism between Zimbabwe and South Africa, with Victoria Falls being long established as a drawcard for tourists from Southern Africa, and elsewhere in the world,” said Lanca.
“We expect many of our passengers on this route to be first-time visitors to Victoria Falls, who would otherwise not have been able to afford to travel to what is a popular holiday destination for Southern Africans.”
The airline expressed optimism that its latest route follows closely on the success of other route launches between Harare and Victoria Falls, and Harare and Johannesburg.
Fastjet Zimbabwe recently increased the frequency of its flights from Harare to Johannesburg and now offers double daily flights on each day of the week — apart from the weekend — making a total of 24 flights per week between the two cities.
“We’re very grateful to the transportation ministries and the civil aviation authorities in both Zimbabwe and South Africa for working together to make it possible for Fastjet to realise our vision of growing the number of consumers who can access the convenience of affordable air travel,” said Lanca.
derick.khumalo