KLM bounces back

into Zimbabwe.
Described by many as a huge confidence booster for Zimbabwe, the arrival of several airlines into the country is expected to contribute to its continued economic development prospects.

The KLM flight was received by high- ranking Government officials, including Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi; Transport, Communications and Infrastructural Development secretary Mr Munesu Munodawafa; and officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe.
The airline touched down to wild applause from guests attending the relaunch of the flight. Accompanied by the traditional mhende and Jerusarema dance from a local dance troupe, the airline taxied in to an electric atmosphere that should have surprised the KLM executives, cabin crew and passengers on Flight KL523.
It is traditional for an inaugural flight to go through water jets from canons as a welcome gesture but the pilots paused momentarily as the plane went through a merry spray.

The cheering guests could have mesmerised the pilots who could not help but wave back to their cheering hosts.
And in traditional Zimbabwean style, Minister Mzembi and Mr Munodawafa welcomed KLM executive vice-president (regional network marketing) Mr Pieter Bootsman and his entourage.

The entourage, including the cabin crew, spiced up the welcome by waving Zimbabwean and Dutch flags.
The flight passengers included 19 tour operators, who will get a chance to sample Zimbabwe’s tourist attractions, courtesy of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.
In an interview, Minister Mzembi said the arrival of the various airlines was the highest level of brand endorsement.

“Politically, it’s a huge milestone for Brand Zimbabwe while economically, it shows that the world out there has confidence in Zimbabwe.”
Minister Mzembi said the new flights showed Zimbabwe’s readiness to host next year’s UNWTO General Assembly.
“These are test runs for the successful hosting of the UNWTO General Assembly,” he said. “We would, however, want to implore the authorities to relax the country’s visa regimes as we prepare for the influx of visitors into Zimbabwe.”

Mr Munodawafa, the guest of honour, said the KLM flights were a significant development for Zimbabwe.
“We will be hosting a global airline, with an extensive global network, huge fleet and a great reputation for quality service.”
He said the relaunch of the KLM flights into Zimbabwe should inspire other airlines to seriously consider Zimbabwe as a viable destination.

“KLM will increase connectivity, capacity and fare competitiveness, which will certainly lead to traffic growth to and from Zimbabwe. Indeed, the current traffic levels are not a true reflection of Zimbabwe’s international traffic potential.”
Mr Munodawafa said Zimbabwe’s world-rated tourist attractions and its huge economic potential in mining and agriculture would be major drawcards to the potential visitors.

The Netherlands Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mrs Barbara Joziasse, said the airline would open avenues for co-operation between Zimbabwe and her country.
“CAAZ, you are not only connecting Zimbabwe to the Netherlands but carrying friendship between the two countries.”
Mr Bootsman said the airline’s flights would give Europeans an opportunity to visit Zimbabwe’s tourist attractions.
“The relaunch of our flights is not only of touristic importance but a sign of appreciation of the economic development achieved in Zimbabwe under its current leadership,” he said.

He said KLM flights would ensure that Zimbabweans easily connect to various destinations served by the airline.
“The flights connect Zimbabweans to the world through connecting flights to other destinations, including Europe, the United States and other countries.”
Flight KL523 is operated with an Airbus A330-200 on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Harare would be served in combination with the Lusaka, Zambia, destination.

The flight departs from Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam at 10.20 hours arriving in Harare on the same day at 21.25 hours.
The return leg has the same number, leaving Harare at 22.30 hours, with an intermediate landing in Lusaka, arriving in Amsterdam the following morning.