THE utilisation of Joshua Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo by Ethiopian Airlines which made its inaugural flight on Sunday is expected to boost the city’s economic growth and revive Bulawayo as a key industrial hub in the region.
Government and Bulawayo City Council officials said Ethiopian Airlines’ vast connectivity network has potential to link Bulawayo and the country to world markets.
That linkage, if fully exploited will revive the city’s past industrial status at a time when the Government is doubling efforts to attract more international airlines to make use of the Bulawayo international airport, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer Theodius Chinyanga said on Sunday.
“Ethiopian Airlines’ vast connectivity network literally links us to the world markets. We are confident that this connectivity will add to our efforts to turn around the local economy which will translate into the rejuvenation of the City of Bulawayo to regain its yesteryear status of being a key industrial hub in the region,” said Eng Chinyanga.
To drive more air traffic to Bulawayo, Eng Chinyanga said as part of the “Zimbabwe is open for business” policy, the Government has embarked on a programme to expand and modernise international airports so that they will be able to handle big aviation players in the mould of Ethiopian Airlines.
“On our part as the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe and through the wise leadership of His Excellency, the President, Cde Dr E D Mnangagwa, we are embarking on a programme to expand and modernise our international airports so that they will be able to handle big aviation players in the mould of Ethiopian Airlines.
“Efforts are also ongoing to entice other big players to consider flying into JM Nkomo International Airport.”
He added, “This inaugural flight into Bulawayo is also a testament of Zimbabwe’s commitment to the implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) and creation of a conducive environment for the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which is commonly referred to as the ‘Open Skies Policy’”.
The Yamoussoukro Decision and the Single African Air Transport Market aim at increasing intercity connectivity on the African continent for purposes of lowering the price of flying and to increase intra-Africa trade.
“This will ultimately benefit the citizens of Africa. Incidentally, these initiatives dovetail and resonate very well with our policy thrust of ‘Zimbabwe is open for business’”.
Bulawayo Deputy mayor and councillor Mlandu Ncube said the airline has the potential of increasing investment and encouraged residents to develop a culture of flying.
“As the City of Bulawayo we are grateful for the airline choosing our city as an additional route. We encourage our Bulawayo residents to develop a culture of flying and that would increase traffic and potential investors to the city,” said Clr Ncube. – The Chronicle
