AIR TANZANIA EXPANDS ZIM OPERATIONS
AIR TANZANIA is set to expand its operations in Zimbabwe by increasing frequencies from Harare to Lusaka, and connecting Victoria Falls and Bulawayo to the rest of the region.
The airline also plans to have a cargo flight to Harare. This was revealed by Lembri Laanyuni, Air Tanzania human resources and administration director.
The airline recently received an additional aircraft, with two more set to follow later this year.
Laanyuni said Zimbabwe was potentially a target for expansion because the market was growing and businesspeople needed connectivity within the region.
The airline operates in 10 destinations.
“We have been operating in Zimbabwe for the past four years now and our company is expanding and we have some expansion plans and, fortunately, Zimbabwe is part of those plans,” he said.
“Zimbabwe is one of the destinations we are thinking that has potential for our expansion.
“Currently, we have a fleet of 11 aircrafts and we expect to receive another one next week and two more later during the year.”
He added: “We are talking of Zimbabwe, but we cannot talk of the country without highlighting our expansion plans.
“We have a good number of passengers that board our flights in Zimbabwe, and currently we operate four flights weekly, so it is only fair for us to increase the frequencies.”
He said there was a lot of cargo flying between Zimbabwe and Tanzania.
“We have been lifting cargo to Zimbabwe as well so now, as we open new international destinations, it gives the business community much more flexibility to connect their plans with our network.
“We are thinking of having a cargo flight to Harare, increase frequencies because the market is growing,
but now we need to open up Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.
“I think that as we open other international routes, we will be able to connect these three to tourist destinations like Zanzibar.
“We are operating internationally in China and Mumbai and we are also planning on having packages for tourists.”
Laanyuni expressed his gratitude to the Government for accepting and giving Air Tanzania a conducive environment to operate in.
“Zimbabwe and Tanzania share a long history since the days of the liberation struggle.
“We also appreciate the role of our representative in Zimbabwe, LED Tours, which has been supportive.”