Zim to finalise seven bilateral air services agreements

Zimbabwe is engaging seven countries for the finalisation of seven bilateral air services agreements to pave way for the resumption of flights to Harare.

The seven agreements that government is pursuing with different airlines will add to the already six agreements that government has signed with other airlines to ply the Harare route.

The development coincides with the hosting of Routes Africa 2014 summit meant to attract several airline executives and civil aviation authorities across the globe set for next month.

In an interview in Harare, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Mr Munesushe Munodawafa said negotiations are at various stages, expressing optimism the agreements would be sealed before the end of the year.

"We are currently negotiating with seven airlines for the bilateral agreements to add to negotiations that have been entered into with other six countries," he said.

Since the introduction of the multi-currency system in 2009, several airlines have expressed interest to ply the Harare route which has seen the coming back of the Royal Dutch Airlines, Emirates, Namibia Air and Egypt Air, among others.

The finalisation of the agreements will see several airlines coming to Harare, hence improving the country's connectivity.