Nearly 1,500 Passengers Book Air Zimbabwe’s Harare–London Flight

Nearly 1,500 passengers have already booked seats on Air Zimbabwe’s new direct Harare–London route, which begins this week.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona revealed the figures after receiving the 302-seat Airbus A330-300 aircraft at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare on Monday, 20 July.

Mhona also said 30 tonnes of cargo had already been booked and confirmed for the route.

The aircraft’s inaugural flight is scheduled for 22 July, marking Air Zimbabwe’s return to the London (Gatwick) route after suspending direct services in 2011.

“The response from the market has been exceptionally encouraging,” said Mhona.

“Within a remarkably short period following the announcement of this route, I am told Air Zimbabwe has already recorded 1,479 confirmed passenger bookings – an extraordinary expression of confidence.

“The cargo market has responded equally positively. I am told that already, more than 40 tonnes of cargo have been confirmed for this route, demonstrating the enormous commercial opportunities presented by direct connectivity.”

The aircraft, secured through a 13-month wet lease, will be operated by Spanish airline Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas, which will provide the crew, maintenance and insurance as part of the arrangement.

It will fly three times a week from Harare on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with return flights from London scheduled for Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

The Airbus A330-300 has 302 seats, including 30 in business class and 272 in economy class.

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