By Rex Mphisa
GOVERNMENT continues to upgrade aviation infrastructure such as airports and airstrips countrywide to facilitate trade, tourism and investment.
Work has been done at R.G. Mugabe International Airport, J.M.N. Nkomo, Victoria Falls, Buffallo Range, Mutare Grand Reef airports, amongst others.
This was said by the Chief Director Policy Analysis, Coordination, Devolution and Development Programmes Michael Musanzikwa.
He was speaking as the main guest at Beitbridge Airstrip where Falcon Air launched its Harare – Beitbridge air route.
“We remain expectant that players in the aviation industry leverage on this investment by Government to increase their footprint in the interior of the country to areas such as Chiredzi, Mutare and other centres,” Musanzikwa told stakeholders at Beitbridge who attended the launch.
“As Falcon Air begins servicing this route, I cannot over emphasize just how important it is for you to exhibit the highest level of professionalism and service excellence,” he said.
Many time, he said, promising ventures floundered on customer service and reliability fronts but operators still expected loyalty from the paying customer which is a bad was of doing business.
He asked Falcon Air, a commercial wing of the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (formerly District Development Fund DDF) not to follow such a route.
“We are confident that this will not be the case with Falcon Air-not only on this route but other routes that you are currentiv servicing as well. Let today signify the start of a new dawn in terms of the service you provide and that this becomes a forerunner of bigger and better things to come.”
Earlier Musanzikwa thanked and congratulate RIDA what he said was a commendable milestone for the Strategic Business Unit.
The commencement of this new route is testament to strategic investment by RIDA whose director Shumba he thanked for his leadership.
He also thanked all stakeholders who were at the event saying their participation is a practical show of the Whole-of-Society approach critical to spur national development.
“Yes, today’s gathering is celebratory but, importantly, it carries special significance for RIDA and Falcon Air, in particular.
This strategic decision to service this route resonates with His Excellency, the President Dr E.D. Mnangagwa’s thrust to foster sustainable economic development in all corners of the country.”
” This event therefore marks not just the launch of a route but a new era of connectivity and convinience to this regional trade hub, for both business and passengers alike,” he said.
A passenger on the inaugural flight, Musanzikwa said the world renowned two-engined Cessna Caravan aircraft that blends versatility, reliability and comfort had been pleasant to ride.
“The pilots and crew displayed their skill and experience to get us here in good time.”
He said a strong aviation industry in both domestic and international world is a foundational enabler for economic growth.
It is important for Zimbabwe seeking an upper middle income status by the year 2030.
“However, as we all know, our domestic air travel market continues to be constrained by limited routes into the interior of the country and this has knock-on effects on critical sectors of the economy such as tourism that rely on strong travel connectivity to generate business ” he said.
Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area Programme Officer Beatrice Madhawu said the new route will smile on the Tourism Sector.
“Tourists wishing to visit Beitbridge will see their travel time to Beitbridge shrunk to just an hour and half from Harare which is good. But the plane means much more for those in business, its a good experience, ” she said.
Innocent Moyo, a clearing agent said the new route development will be useful to clearing agents and people coming to collect rheir cars at Beitbridge.
“We have many clients coming to pick their cars and other goods, it makes sense for many. It was long overdue,” said Moyo.