Staff Reporter
Air Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the country’s economic growth by providing a reliable and affordable mode of transport for both local and international travellers, while connecting tourists to Zimbabwe’s renowned tourist destinations and facilitating business travel across the region.
This was revealed by Air Zimbabwe Chief Finance Officer Tapiwa Zimbveka, who spoke to this publication at the ongoing Business Expo at the ZITF Grounds in Bulawayo, which is being held concurrently with the 21st ZANU PF National People’s Conference.
Zimbveka emphasized that Air Zimbabwe remains a key player in the aviation sector, with a proud history of safety and reliability.
“Air Zimbabwe is still a force to reckon with in the aviation industry. We have a longstanding record as a safe and reliable airline, and we continue to maintain that standard for our passengers,” he said.
The national airline is playing a critical role in connecting Zimbabwe to both regional and international markets, facilitating the movement of business people and tourists alike.
Zimbveka noted that Air Zimbabwe is committed to supporting the country’s economic blueprint, Vision 2030, by ensuring that the airline offers affordable and dependable services that enhance business and tourism sectors.
Zimbveka also highlighted that Air Zimbabwe is making it easier for local travellers to access their services by allowing the payment of fares in local currency. This initiative is part of the airline's strategy to make air travel more accessible to Zimbabweans.
“For local travellers who want to use our services, we are proud to say that they can pay for their tickets in the local currency. We understand the importance of making our services affordable and accessible to all Zimbabweans,” Zimbveka said.
In a bid to strengthen its technical capacity and contribute to the broader regional aviation industry, Air Zimbabwe has reopened its technical training school, which will train engineers in the maintenance and repair of aircraft.
Zimbveka revealed that the airline has ambitious plans to position itself as a key service hub for Southern Africa, offering aircraft maintenance services not only for its own fleet but for other airlines operating in the region.
“We have reopened our technical school to train engineers who will be responsible for servicing and repairing broken aircraft. Our vision is to become a hub within Southern Africa, where we can provide maintenance and service for other airlines' aircraft and engines,” Zimbveka said.
The reopening of the technical school is a significant step in developing local expertise and ensuring that Zimbabwe remains a competitive player in the aviation sector.
The move also aligns with Air Zimbabwe's strategy to reduce operational costs and improve the efficiency of its services, while generating revenue by offering maintenance services to other airlines.
As Zimbabwe's economy continues to grow, Air Zimbabwe remains poised to play an integral role in facilitating travel for business and tourism, connecting the nation to the global economy. With a strong focus on safety, reliability, and affordability, the airline is set to contribute significantly to the country’s development goals under Vision 2030.
