by Zivanai Dhewa
The international community has heeded President ED Mnangagwa’s mantra that Zimbabwe is open for business and are making frantic efforts to ensure they also get a share of the pie.
Virgin Atlantic has set its eyes on Zimbabwe skies, proposing for a direct London-Harare flight.
Jerry Haas, a pilot commented on his twitter handle that, “Still some paperwork to be done. Virgin Atlantic set for London-Harare service in 2019 using B787 with seasonal London-Victoria Falls-Cape Town on 5th Freedom.”
Jabu Ka Mangena applauded efforts by Government to open its doors for international investors.
“Another endorsement of the new Zimbabwe, when you start getting airlines bringing back direct flights let the reader understand, a new dawn is here,” said Mangena.
Haas dismissed claims that the introduction of other airlines will cripple Zimbabwe Airways.
“How will it cripple it? Remember in the mid and late 90s when half of Europe’s airlines came to Harare, @FlyAirZimbabwe was flying to London nine times a week and being voted Africa’s Best Airline to London.
“It will make things better, by bringing competition in ticket pricing to allow more people to afford air transport,” added Haas.
Zimbabweans in the diaspora have welcomed the introduction of the direct London-Harare flight as it brings convenience to them.
“Wonderful, this could mean weekends in Zimbabwe at least every other month,” said one Tichaona Maphosa.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe was yet to confirm when Virgin Atlantic will commence their route.
