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🇿🇼 Zimbabwe /Economy & Trade

Over 1,400 Passengers Already Booked Seats On Air Zimbabwe's New Harare-London Direct Flight - Govt Says

From AllAfrica Zimbabwe · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Air Zimbabwe has launched a new direct flight route between Harare and London (Gatwick), marking its return after a 15-year absence.
  • The inaugural flight on July 22 has already seen strong booking numbers, with 1,479 passengers and 30 tonnes of cargo confirmed.
  • The service, operated via a wet lease with a Spanish company, will fly three times weekly, aiming to restore connectivity for Zimbabweans abroad and boost tourism and investment.

State-owned Air Zimbabwe is set to reintroduce direct flights between Harare and London (Gatwick) starting July 22, marking a significant return to the route after a 15-year hiatus. Transport Minister Felix Mhona revealed that the response from the market has been exceptionally encouraging, with 1,479 passengers already having booked seats on the new service.

Within a remarkably short period following the announcement of this route, I am told Air Zimbabwe has already recorded 1,479 confirmed passenger bookings - an extraordinary expression of confidence.

— Felix MhonaZimbabwe's Transport Minister, commenting on the strong initial booking response for the new Harare-London flight.

"Within a remarkably short period following the announcement of this route, I am told Air Zimbabwe has already recorded 1,479 confirmed passenger bookings - an extraordinary expression of confidence," Mhona stated. "The cargo market has responded equally positively. I am told that already, more than 40 tonnes of cargo have been confirmed for this route, demonstrating the enormous commercial opportunities presented by direct connectivity."

The cargo market has responded equally positively. I am told that already, more than 40 tonnes of cargo have been confirmed for this route, demonstrating the enormous commercial opportunities presented by direct connectivity.

— Felix MhonaZimbabwe's Transport Minister, highlighting the positive response from the cargo market for the new route.

The aircraft, a 302-seater Airbus A330-300, has been secured through a 13-month wet lease agreement with the Spanish company Plus Ultra Lineas Aereas, which will provide the crew, maintenance, and insurance. The flight will operate three times a week, departing from Harare on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and returning from London on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The plane features 30 business class seats and 272 economy seats.

The Harare-London route is no longer an aspiration; it is operational. It is here and it is a watershed moment for our nation.

— Felix MhonaZimbabwe's Transport Minister, emphasizing the significance of the newly launched direct flight.

This relaunch signifies a new chapter for Air Zimbabwe, bolstered by investment from the John Mangudya-led Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF). Minister Mhona described the route as a "watershed moment for our nation," emphasizing its importance for various stakeholders. "For Zimbabweans living and working in the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe, this route restores access home," he said. "For investors, entrepreneurs and government officials, it opens direct pathways to capital, partnerships and international engagement. For tourists, it places Zimbabwe; with our natural wonders, our wildlife and our culture; within reach of one of the world's most affluent markets."

For Zimbabweans living and working in the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe, this route restores access home.

— Felix MhonaZimbabwe's Transport Minister, explaining the importance of the new route for the diaspora.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by AllAfrica Zimbabwe. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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