AIR ZIMBABWE is set to resume direct flights between Harare and London on July 1, ending a 14-year absence from the United Kingdom market and restoring a key air link between Zimbabwe and one of its largest diaspora communities, according to a report by Travel and Tour World, a global travel platform.
The Harare-London Gatwick service will mark the national carrier’s return to the UK since the suspension of its London operations in 2012 due to fleet and operational challenges.
The development is expected to improve connectivity for travellers, businesses, tourists and Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom, who have for years relied on connecting flights through Europe, the Middle East and other regional hubs.
A report published by travelandtourworld.com indicates that the route will operate under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) arrangement with Spanish airline Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas.
The Spanish airline will provide the aircraft, flight crew, maintenance services and insurance required for the operation.
The arrangement allows Air Zimbabwe to relaunch long-haul services without waiting for the acquisition of new aircraft or the completion of fleet modernisation programmes.
ACMI partnerships are commonly used by airlines seeking to expand capacity or operate routes for which they do not currently possess suitable aircraft.
Air Zimbabwe last operated direct flights to London in 2012 using Boeing 767 aircraft before mounting financial pressures and evolving European regulatory requirements forced the airline to suspend the service.
Since then, the airline has repeatedly explored options for re-entering the UK market, including proposed fleet renewal programmes that envisaged the acquisition of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
However, those plans did not materialise, delaying the restoration of the route.
The partnership with Plus Ultra is expected to provide Air Zimbabwe with immediate access to aircraft that meet United Kingdom and European operational and regulatory requirements, enabling the carrier to resume services to one of its most important international destinations.
The airline has selected London Gatwick Airport as its UK destination.
The route is expected to attract a mix of passengers, including the Zimbabwean diaspora community, business travellers, students, tourists and government officials.
Tourism operators also expect the service to boost visitor arrivals from the United Kingdom by providing a direct travel option to Zimbabwe.
cc; heraldonline.co.zw