Story by John Nhandara
GOVERNMENT says the resumption of Air Zimbabwe’s direct Harare-London service is a major milestone in Zimbabwe’s engagement and re-engagement policy, strengthening trade, tourism and ties with the United Kingdom.
The remarks were made during a welcome dinner at the Cumberland Hotel in London on Thursday, following the inaugural flight’s successful arrival at London Gatwick Airport.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Honourable Felix Mhona, said the restored route reflected the Second Republic’s foreign policy agenda.
“This occasion is the fruit of the Second Republic’s deliberate and sustained re-engagement agenda, led by His Excellency President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“His Excellency has declared, and demonstrated through action, that Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none.
“The United Kingdom route occupies a place of particular importance to Zimbabwe, given the depth of our shared history, the breadth of our commercial and cultural ties and the size of our diaspora on these shores. The arrival of Air Zimbabwe at Gatwick is the most visible expression of that re-engagement.”
Honourable Mhona said the airline’s return coincides with significant investment in aviation infrastructure and regulatory systems.
“Air Zimbabwe returns to the UK at a time when the Second Republic has invested purposefully in the modernisation of air navigation infrastructure, the renewal of oversight systems and the alignment of our operators with international standards,” he said.
Air Zimbabwe Board Chairperson, Dr Silvanos Gwarinda, described the restored service as a significant step in rebuilding the airline’s international network.
“The successful return of Air Zimbabwe’s direct flight marks more than the restoration of an international route. It symbolises the renewal of Air Zimbabwe’s presence on the global aviation network and reaffirms our commitment to connecting people, markets and opportunities.”
Chief Executive Officer Mr Edmund Makona said the route supports both the airline’s corporate strategy and Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 aspirations.
“This is in line with Vision 2030. Air Zimbabwe exists to provide air transport services that promote social development. We are expected to drive national tourism, trade and regional integration, and that entails the restoration of global routes.”
Stakeholders attending the event said the granting of a Foreign Operator Permit reflected international confidence in Air Zimbabwe’s operational standards, governance and safety oversight.
Air Zimbabwe’s Harare-London service will operate three times a week, with flights departing Harare on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
