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Dreamliner makes historic touchdown in Bulawayo
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Bulawayo made aviation history on Sunday after a Boeing 787-800 Dreamliner touched down at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport for the first time, marking a significant milestone for Zimbabwe's aviation sector.
The Ethiopian Airlines charter flight landed at exactly 1300hrs to a traditional water cannon salute, signalling the airport's growing capacity to handle wide-body, long-haul aircraft.
The aircraft was carrying South Africa's Under-19 cricket team, the Proteas U19, who are in the country to participate in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, which Zimbabwe is co-hosting with Namibia.
Airport officials and aviation observers described the landing as a major achievement, underscoring recent upgrades and operational readiness at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport. The arrival of the Dreamliner highlights the airport's ability to accommodate modern, fuel-efficient wide-body aircraft typically deployed on intercontinental routes.
The historic touchdown also reflects the increasing role of Bulawayo as a key regional hub for international sporting events and tourism-linked traffic, particularly as Zimbabwe positions itself to host major continental and global events.
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest carrier, operates one of the world's most modern fleets, with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner at the centre of its long-haul operations. The aircraft's arrival in Bulawayo is expected to boost confidence among international airlines considering expanded services into Zimbabwe's second-largest city.
With Zimbabwe co-hosting the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, aviation authorities say the successful handling of the Dreamliner charter bodes well for the country's logistical preparedness and its ambitions to attract more international flights beyond Harare.
The Ethiopian Airlines charter flight landed at exactly 1300hrs to a traditional water cannon salute, signalling the airport's growing capacity to handle wide-body, long-haul aircraft.
The aircraft was carrying South Africa's Under-19 cricket team, the Proteas U19, who are in the country to participate in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, which Zimbabwe is co-hosting with Namibia.
The historic touchdown also reflects the increasing role of Bulawayo as a key regional hub for international sporting events and tourism-linked traffic, particularly as Zimbabwe positions itself to host major continental and global events.
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest carrier, operates one of the world's most modern fleets, with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner at the centre of its long-haul operations. The aircraft's arrival in Bulawayo is expected to boost confidence among international airlines considering expanded services into Zimbabwe's second-largest city.
With Zimbabwe co-hosting the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, aviation authorities say the successful handling of the Dreamliner charter bodes well for the country's logistical preparedness and its ambitions to attract more international flights beyond Harare.
Source - online
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