By Zachary Gava
Harare, (New Ziana) – The resumption of the Air Zimbabwe direct Harare-London service marks the beginning of a new era for the airline, with board chairperson Dr Silvanos Gwarinda declaring that the national carrier is determined to reclaim its place on the international aviation map.
Speaking at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Monday during the unveiling of an Airbus A330-300 which Air Zimbabwe recently acquired, Dr Gwarinda said the development was a defining moment for both the airline and the nation.
“Today marks a defining milestone for Zimbabwe and for our nation. As Zimbabwe advances towards Vision 2030 under the mantra ‘Leaving No One and No Place Behind,’ this occasion demonstrates our collective commitment to building a modern, connected and prosperous Zimbabwe,” he said.
The Airbus A330-300, with a seating capacity of 302 passengers, including 30 business class and 272 economy class seats, will operate the Harare-London Gatwick route from 22 July, flying three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Dr Gwarinda said the return of direct flights to London was a dream realized for many Zimbabweans after years without a non-stop air link between the two countries.
“For many years, Zimbabweans have looked to the sky and asked when this day would come. This day has arrived. Air Zimbabwe will once again connect Harare directly with London Gatwick, restoring one of the most important gateways between our country and the world,” he said.
He said the airline’s “Fly Direct, Experience Zimbabwe” campaign represented Zimbabwe’s renewed engagement with the international community.
“It is more than a slogan. It is a greeting to our Diaspora. It is an invitation to investors, tourists and partners. It is a statement that Zimbabwe is open, connected and ready to engage with the world,” he said.
Dr Gwarinda said the reopening of the Zimbabwe-United Kingdom air corridor was central to Air Zimbabwe’s long-term ambition of transforming the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport into a regional aviation hub.
“We will leave no stone unturned until the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport takes its rightful position as the natural aviation hub for the Southern African region,” he said, adding that the airline would immediately begin implementing a hub-and-spoke strategy to improve regional connectivity and increase passenger traffic.
“Aviation creates access, and access creates value. Any airline that concentrates on improving hub operations and its attractiveness to air travelers is bound to increase the volume of passenger traffic,” he said.
He also credited the Zimbabwe government, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development and the airline shareholder, the Mutapa Investment Fund, for supporting the recovery of the national carrier.
Dr Gwarinda said Air Zimbabwe had now embarked on a fleet modernization program, expressing confidence that the renewed investment would strengthen its operations and support the national aspirations of becoming a key aviation gateway in Southern Africa.
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