South Africa Airways has re-launched its Johannesburg-Victoria Falls route after suspending services in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and financial difficulties.
An Airbus A319 landed mid-day at the Victoria Falls International Airport yesterday with a sizeable number of passengers much to the excitement of various stakeholders comprising tourism industry players, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ), Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe, National Handling Services and Victoria Falls City Council who said this would bring in more tourists.
Former Chronicle reporter between 1995 and 2001 Dr Admore Tshuma who is a senior lecturer at Bristol University in Britain, was among the passengers and expressed excitement to be on the re-launched flight.
It was pomp and funfair as the airline was received with a water canyon salute before passengers were treated to a red carpet welcome by Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Mike Madiro, tourism and aviation executives and traditional dance group, Ilembe Shining Spears.
SAA executive, Mr Fikile Mhlontlo, said this was phase two of the giant airline’s relaunch after resuming flights into Harare in September last year. He paid gratitude to the hospitality of Zimbabweans and said the airline was back to stay.
“As an airline, we are coming back after stopping services due to Covid-19 and because we had run into financial difficulties. What is more important is that today signifies that we are back into business,” said Mr Mhlontlo.
“Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls is important to SA Airways strategic routes for business, leisure and resuming operations enhances relations and contributes to diplomatic cooperation.”
He said SAA was building up routes to improve connectivity around the continent. Africa is known as the only continent with a poor aviation connection and airlines have to fly into Europe or Asia to connect to some countries in the motherland.
Ms Julia Rewai is SAA Zimbabwe country manager, taking over from Ms Winnie Muchanyuka who is now ZTA chief executive. Ms Muchanyuka said the return of SAA rubber stamps tourism and aviation success in the country.
“Victoria Falls is critical for tourism in Southern Africa and is in the bucket list of many people across the world. As a collective of ZTA and operators we have to work hard to market it and attract people to keep the route alive,” she said.
Ms Muchanyuka said airlines were still trying to build up networks post Covid-19.
ACZ vice board chair Mrs Sinikiwe Gwatidzo said aviation remains a vital tourism catalyst.
“We are excited that SAA has made a return, which has a direct impact on post Covid-19 aviation trajectory that we are pursuing as a country,” she said.
“We want to return to pre-Covid-19 era and collaboration efforts will go a long way in marketing this destination.”
Victoria Falls City deputy mayor, Councillor Patricia Mwale, said the return of SA Airways is a big tourism enabler.
Deputy Minister Madiro said Government was committed to development of aviation as evidenced by upgrading of airports, which are also being furnished with modern navigation equipment.
“Zimbabwe is elated by the return of SAA and it is our hope that this connectivity will facilitate tourism, cultural and business exchanges, economic opportunities,” he said.
“Air transport leveraged by robust airport infrastructure is pivotal to the economic growth of our country.” – The Chronicle
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