NEW AIRLINE STARTS HARARE FLIGHTS:

PREPARATIONS for the launch of Proflight, Zambia’s new route between Harare-Lusaka, are at an advanced stage amid indications tickets went on sale since Tuesday.

The airline is expected to start flying into Harare from July 9.

Proflight will fly into Harare four times a week.

The firm’s director of government and industry affairs, Captain Philip Lemba, said the route has been motivated by the desire to maintain relations between the two countries.

“Zimbabwe’s long-held historic ties with Zambia make it an obvious choice for Proflight’s largest route.

“The neighbouring countries share business, tourism and family links and we are confident that our morning service will complement existing afternoon services on the route,” said Cpt Lemba.

Cpt Lemba explained that air transport provides important economic contributions to countries.

“Through its impact on industries, it facilitates economic and development growth.

“Proflight continues to help countries participate in the global market by increasing access to main markets and allowing the globalisation of production,” he said.

It is widely expected that Proflight’s Harare-Lusaka route would also promote tourism and trade between the two countries, given that the airline provides opportunities for businesses to import or export goods and services.

Said Cpt Lemba: “These are of economic value to countries. The relationship between Zambian and Zimbabwean trade is very important to Proflight.”

Lusaka is about 395km flying distance from Harare and the journey takes 70 minutes by air, compared to almost seven hours by road.

Proflight has already opened an office in Harare where potential clients can enquire about services.

Expectations are that Proflight’s morning schedule would be the most popular for business travellers from both countries.

The Harare-Lusaka route will bring to three, Proflight’s international routes.

Already, it flies from Lusaka to Durban in South Africa and Lilongwe in Malawi, over and above linking all the main provincial centres within Zambia.

Travellers from Harare will now be able to use Proflight to Ndola, Solwezi and Mfuwe.