What NDS1 says about the aviation sector

AIR safety and security as well as airside and landside facilities are essential for the development and rebuilding of the country’s tourism industry.

Increasing investments in aviation infrastructure can open up the country to more regional trade and increase the country’s competitiveness in the region.

Government over the past years has been making considerable efforts to improve the civil aviation infrastructure.

However, more still needs to be done in terms of rehabilitation, upgrading, maintenance and expansion in critical areas.

The current air traffic control and safety equipment is old and in need of replacement.

Closely related to traffic surveillance is the capability for aircraft communication to and from the ground as well as other airport handling equipment and facilities.

Outcomes of Air Transport Infrastructure and Services

Under the the main objective is to have a reliable safe world-class air transport infrastructure and services. The target is to increase the annual cargo handling capacity from 40,2 million tonnes to 43,0 million tonnes by 2025 and the number of passengers uplifted from 0,5 million to 2 million by 2025.

Strategies to Improve Air Transport Infrastructure and Services

To improve air transport infrastructure and services, Government will implement the following strategies:

• Complete the substantial rehabilitation and upgrading of aviation infrastructure at the airports;

• Improve airspace management, safety and security as well as airport operations;

• Continue to liberalise the air transport market and finalise the way forward for Air Zimbabwe;

• Launch a privatisation programme to attract much needed private sector funding for rehabilitation and upgrade of airport facilities to accommodate the projected growth in passenger and freight movements;

• Pursue the route of PPPs to expedite completion of the key capital infrastructural projects especially relating to aviation safety;

• Operationalise the Bilateral Air Service Agreements ( BASAs) to facilitate market access;

• Clear arrears to IATA in order to pave way for re-admission into alliances;

• Up-scale private investment and participation in infrastructure through long-term National Air Infrastructure Development Plan; and

• Promote local network and connectivity (Routes, frequency and reliability of services).