Business / Local
Zimbabwe is a safe destination - Obert Mpofu
06 Mar 2015 at 04:08hrs | Views
Transport and Infrastructure Development minister Obert Mpofu has said Flyafrica's Bulawayo-Johannesburg flight route is a demonstration that Zimbabwe is a safe destination for investment.
Mpofu said this is a boost to Government sponsored economic blue print - ZimASSET.
The airline launched its route on Thursday and is a partnership between the Karase family's Fresh Air and Mike Bond of the now defunct 1Time of South Africa.
Its Bulawayo-Johannesburg flights cost $178 return compared to national carrier, Air Zimbabwe's $380 for the same route.
"This move by FlyAfrica to add Bulawayo to its routes network is both noble and commendable. It also demonstrate Fly Africa's full confidence in the Zimbabwean market as a viable destination and is clear testimony that the Zimbabwean aviation industry is growing," said Minister Mpofu.
"FlyAfrica Zimbabwe's good work has done us proud not only to Bulawayo as a city but the country as a whole. This is a clear demonstration that Zimbabwe is a safe destination for investment as alluded to in our economic blue print- ZimASSET,".
Mpofu said the introduction of new players in the market is in line with Governments policy of de-regulating the air transport sector, a key enabler to economic development as air travel times are reduced and access to a wider market is improved leading to reduced airfares.
He added that the 'attractive fare structure will be sustained into the foreseeable future. Further we hope other airlines also review their cost structures and offer more affordable rates,".
Mpofu said this is a boost to Government sponsored economic blue print - ZimASSET.
The airline launched its route on Thursday and is a partnership between the Karase family's Fresh Air and Mike Bond of the now defunct 1Time of South Africa.
Its Bulawayo-Johannesburg flights cost $178 return compared to national carrier, Air Zimbabwe's $380 for the same route.
"This move by FlyAfrica to add Bulawayo to its routes network is both noble and commendable. It also demonstrate Fly Africa's full confidence in the Zimbabwean market as a viable destination and is clear testimony that the Zimbabwean aviation industry is growing," said Minister Mpofu.
"FlyAfrica Zimbabwe's good work has done us proud not only to Bulawayo as a city but the country as a whole. This is a clear demonstration that Zimbabwe is a safe destination for investment as alluded to in our economic blue print- ZimASSET,".
Mpofu said the introduction of new players in the market is in line with Governments policy of de-regulating the air transport sector, a key enabler to economic development as air travel times are reduced and access to a wider market is improved leading to reduced airfares.
He added that the 'attractive fare structure will be sustained into the foreseeable future. Further we hope other airlines also review their cost structures and offer more affordable rates,".
Source - Byo24News
