Uganda Airlines Launches Inaugural Flights To Zimbabwe

By Wallace Mawire

 Uganda Airlines has on 25 September,2024  officially launched inaugural flights from Entebbe to Harare, Zimbabwe  and Lusaka, Zambia.

The development is reported to result in the opening up of  new possibilities for connectivity and growth in the SADC region, promoting ease of travel and trade opportunities.

 The East African carrier commences thrice weekly flights from Ugandan capital, Entebbe to Harare, one of Southern Africa’s economic hubs and gateway into the region. The three-times a-week flights will be operated using the airline’s modern fleet of Airbus A330-800neo and Bombardier CRJ-900.

  Uganda Airlines is Uganda’s Flagship national passenger and cargo carrier. We provide scheduled Air transportation in East Africa and near International Markets. The Airline plans to expand its network to Southern Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East.

 Zimbabwe’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona said  congratulate d the Uganda Airlines Board and management for their remarkable leadership which has enabled them to explore the air space between Entebbe and Harare.

   He expressed his  gratitude  to  Uganda Airlines, the Airports Company of Zimbabwe, the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, the Aeronautical Authority of Zimbabwe  and the whole aviation industry in Zimbabwe for the smart collaboration which has made the launch  a success.

 ‘’Zimbabwe as a whole is elated to celebrate this phenomenal event. That is why we have all representatives from every corner of the tourism, aviation and hospitality sectors,’’Mhona said.

   Beginning September 25, 2024, Uganda Airlines will be operating four weekly flights between Entebbe and Harare.

 Mhona said that the introduction of Uganda Airlines into Zimbabwe’s  skies brings on board new avenues for growth, development  and collaboration between the  two nations, as the new  route will enhance connectivity between Zimbabwe and  Uganda to facilitate easier travel between the two countries.

   Uganda Airlines is said to be  bringing with it a vision of excellence as it boasts of a modern fleet and a robust route network which will enhance the travel experience of passengers to and from Zimbabwe,according to Mhona.

   He added that the milestone also serves as a testament to the  resolve and unity of purpose towards strengthening relations between Zimbabwe and Uganda.

  He said that the relations were initiated and cemented in October 2019 when our Presidents,  Dr. Emmerson  Mnangagwa and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni agreed to establish a Joint Permanent Commission to enhance cooperation across various economic sectors and to fully implement existing agreements.

  Under the new dispensation which seeks to grow Zimbabwe to be an Upper Middle-Income Economy by the year 2030,according to Mhona, air transport plays a critical role in enabling the  endeavor as it opens and connects markets, facilitates trade and enables industries to link into global supply chains.

 He said that It is their  hope therefore that, as the connectivity will be facilitating tourism, cultural and business exchanges, economic opportunities will boom in the city of Harare, as the people-to-people relations between the citizens improves.

  Mhona said that evidence of Government of Zimbabwe’s  commitment to supporting the air transport industry is abundant.

 He said that the launch of the flight  has coincided with  efforts towards finalisation of the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, to accommodate long and wide aircrafts.

   He said that air transport, leveraged by robust airport infrastructures, is pivotal to the economic growth of our country.

 He added that the introduction of new players in the market is in line with the  policy of de-overregulating the air transport sector, which a key enabler to economic development.

  ‘’We hope that this will have a net effect of reducing air travel times with the view to and improve access to a wider marketplace. I therefore challenge you all to make maximum use of this key business enabler. We believe that increased connectivity between Zimbabwe and other Uganda is mutually-beneficial,’’Mhona said.

  He added that he was excited and confident to say that they are evidently walking the talk, and implementing the Yamoussoukro Declaration concerning the liberalisation of access to air transport markets in Africa, which is in line with  the President of the Republic, Dr. E.D Mnangagwa’s mantra “Zimbabwe is open for business”.

  He said that his ministry would continue to support the aviation industry, as it is an essential service component which drives economic, social and cultural development through the promotion and facilitation of trade and tourism.

 He added that aviation contributes to the national GDP and creation of employment, thereby contributing immensely 6 to the attainment of the objectives of the National Development Strategy 1 (2021- 2025).

He urged key stakeholders gathered to enhance partnerships in growing the aviation business and the tourism and hospitality industries through Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements.

  Mhona said that air connectivity remains a crucial aspect in the accessibility of national trade and tourism offerings from across the globe.