adminTanaka Mahanya
Royal Eswatini National Airways Corporation (RENAC) on Friday launched its inaugural flight between Manzini and Harare.
Air transport, leveraged by robust airport infrastructures, is pivotal to the economic growth of Zimbabwe.
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport is being expanded and rehabilitated, and the extensions are set to be complete by June.
Speaking at the launch of the inaugural flight, Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister, Felix Mhona, said the upward trajectory that the aviation sector in the region had been taking since the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions which had severely crippled the industry was commendable.
“We applaud significant strides that are being made in providing reliable air transport services to the people of Eswatini and the wider Southern African region.
“I understand the scheduled services were established to fill the gap left by Swaziland Airlink to provide reliable air transport service to the people of Eswatini, but not only did they fill the gap, but they are now connecting the Kingdom of Eswatini to the region,” he said.
He said the launch of the new service would provide greater connectivity and convenience for the people, and would be well received by both business and leisure travellers.
“Our Ministry will continue to support the aviation industry as it is an essential service component which drives economic, social and cultural development through the promotion and facilitation of trade and tourism.
“I urge the Airports Company of Zimbabwe to continue to work tirelessly within the ecosystem of the aviation, tourism and hospitality industries to attract more airlines into the country,” he said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter