adminDELEGATES who attended the Routes Africa strategy summit held in Victoria Falls last week commended the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe on the Victoria Falls airport expansion project saying it would unlock a lot of opportunities not only for Zimbabwe but for the aviation sector.
CAAZ organised a complimentary tour for the delegates of the project that is expected to be complete next year. In an interview, Air Namibia official Mr Forbes Zaranyika said the expansion and rehabilitation of the Victoria Falls Airport was long overdue and that it would improve operations for airlines that operate there.
“Air Namibia has been operating at Victoria Falls for a long time and there was a time when the infrastructure was a limitation for us. The new runway will improve our operations as it can accommodate big aircraft so if demand dictates we will be able to use big aircrafts like the Airbus 319,” said Mr Zaranyika.
He said expansion of the Victoria Falls Airport brought flexibility to operations and said the Routes Africa event presented an opportunity for airlines that were not yet operating in the resort town to see its potential.
“When there are more airlines operating into Victoria Falls there will be a greater potential for increasing traffic because there will be more connectivity and this town will become an aviation hub,” he said.
Gambia Civil Aviation Authority Air Transport and Commerce manager, Mr Omar Njie, said after touring the project, he was convinced that it was a great venture as in aviation it was important to develop facilities.
Mr Njie said clients appreciated it when they see that their taxes are being put to good use and the fact that Victoria Falls was a tourist attraction centre meant all its facilities should be top notch.
“Our own tourism and aviation sectors in Gambia are struggling hence the decision to attend Routes Africa to meet people and network in order to share ideas. This event has provided a good convergence platform as only key decision makers are here,” said Mr Njie.
Etihad Airways (United Arab Emirates) Senior Manager Network Development, Mr Jason Horner, said the Victoria Falls expansion project looked impressive and commended the country for investing in infrastructure.
“It is always a good thing to see investment in infrastructure that will benefit the region and economy as a whole and this commitment by Zimbabwe in infrastructure development is a good sign,” said Mr Horner.
He said the expansion project had multiple benefits that include giving the region capability to bring in more tourists which then translates to revenue and creating jobs.
He said as more tourists come in they act as ambassadors and when they return to their respective countries, they tell others of the experiences they had.
“The hosts of this event (CAAZ) have shown us a high level of commitment by showcasing to us everything in this country like the Victoria Falls which is one of the world wonders. It is my first time in Zimbabwe and Africa and it has been a great experience and a worthwhile trip,” he said.
Mr Horner said although Etihad Airways would not be flying to Zimbabwe anytime soon as it was something they were evaluating for their future growth, they would give the country great consideration.
Sao Tome and Principe Minister of Public Works, Infrastructure and Environment, Mr Fernando da Silva Maquenge de Freitas, said development at the airport would draw investors and more passengers.
“The airport will be bigger, accommodate more airplanes and will attract investors into Zimbabwe. The project is an attractive venture,” he said.
CAAZ general manager and chief executive officer, Mr David Chawota, said work at the airport was well on target and they would be able to meet the completion date which has been set for mid 2015.
The project includes the construction of a new four-kilometre runway and associated taxiways, construction of a new terminal building to become the international terminal and the refurbishment of the existing terminal building to become the domestic terminal building.
The airport project also includes the construction of a new air traffic control tower and new fire station.
The terminal building, upon completion, is expected to be able to handle 1,5 million passengers per annum.
Online Reporter