CemAir, a South African privately owned airline, has commenced scheduled flights between Johannesburg, South Africa, and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, with a frequency of four times per week.
According to an ACZ spokesperson, the airline will be using either the 50-passenger model CRJ200 or the 70-passenger CRJ700.
The ACZ spokesperson noted that there has been enthusiasm for the new development, particularly following the successful implementation of Fastjet Zimbabwe's Hwange-Victoria Falls service, which also links to Victoria Falls.
ACZ reported that since the outbreak of the pandemic, the traffic and airline performance in Victoria Falls has exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
“This is certainly a positive development for the Zimbabwean skies,” said an ACZ spokesperson.
The commencement of the airline's operations follows the CAAZ's recent approval of South African registered air carriers, such as CemAir, to receive FOP (Foreign Operator Permits) to provide passenger and cargo services in and out of Harare, and Victoria Falls.
CAAZ director general Elijah Chingosho expressed his confidence in the government’s push for aviation as a growth strategy towards Vision 2030 relating to the expansion of air connectivity.
We're here to make sure the aviation industry keeps growing, so our economy can benefit from more trade, investment, and tourism. He said that giving FOPs to airlines will give passengers a lot of advantages, like cheaper fares, better connections, and more frequent flights, which will make them more comfortable and save them time.
Zimbabwe's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) was set up in 1999 and is responsible for regulating the aviation industry, making sure aviation is safe and secure, developing air transport, and providing air navigation services in the country.
At the 41st ICAO Assembly in Montreal Canada last October, ZANU-WAN was elected as SADC representative and was part of the 36 member states of the Council of the ICAO, which is the top decision-making body for aviation.
