The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) has established an Aviation Training Academy that is equipped to meet not only local needs, but the region on aviation related courses relevant for all players in the industry, including airlines,
This was revealed by CAAZ director general Engineer Elijah Chingosho while addressing government officials from Eswatini and Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona last Friday in Harare.
Eng Chingosho first expressed gratitude to Eswatini Air for showing their trust and confidence in their aviation industry by making its maiden flight to Harare.
He said the route, Manzini-Harare will provide important air connectivity for the Kingdom of Eswatini to the growing aviation hub in Southern Africa at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport as well as providing a gateway into the global market.
“This connection will therefore play a dynamic and pivotal role for tourism, trade and business for this region. I wish to take this opportunity to inform you that in line with our President His Excellency Dr Mnangagwa, Vision 2030 for Zimbabwe to attain an Upper Middle-Income Economy and his Mantra that Zimbabwe is Open for Business, Zimbabwe has adopted an Open Skies Policy.
“This is in accordance with the Yamoussoukro Decision which entered into force in July, 2000 following its endorsement by the African Heads of State and Government in Lome, Togo. The main objective of this policy is to improve air connectivity and integration of the Continent through liberalization of scheduled and non-scheduled air transport services within Africa and removing all restrictions on traffic rights, capacity and frequency between city pairs for all African airlines,” he said.
He said in line with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) for the period 2021- 2025, the authority was prioritising growth and development of the aviation industry including the upgrading of Communication, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) systems.
“This will help in strengthening the air space management system, and ensure the provision of safe and secure skies, the key success factors for the success of the aviation industry.
“The Authority has also established an Aviation Training Academy that is equipped to meet not only local needs but indeed for the region on aviation related courses relevant for all players in the industry including airlines,” Eng Chingosho said.
He said services between Manzini and Harare provide important air connectivity between their two all-weather friendly countries which has important economic, ethnic, cultural linkages and most importantly a boost for the tourism industry.
He said Zimbabwe and the Kingdom of Eswatini have a YD Compliant Bilateral Air Services Agreement, which provides for unlimited flight frequencies and capacity, multiple entry points, free tariff determination and fifth freedom traffic rights.
Eng Chingosho said this kind of an agreement supports commercial air services growth and development for trade, investment and tourism.
“There are also huge opportunities for Eswatini Air to enter into win-win collaborative partnerships with local operators to ensure adequate market coverage and facilitate the development of tourism, trade, business and cultural linkages.
“I must confess that seeing Eswatini Air brings very happy memories for me Personally. The Commercial Director of the airline, Xavier Masule, has been a personal friend for several years with vast experience and expertise in the airline industry,” he said.
He said as they celebrated their country’s 43rd Independence on April 18, he encouraged all aviation and tourism stakeholders, Zimbabweans at large to continue with the spirit of oneness, unity of purpose so that we collaboratively market Zimbabwe as a complete package for the good of their nation. – The Herald
