which obviously affected operational
plans.
Media reports say at the turn of the
country’s independence the airline oper-
ated a strong fleet of 18 planes, such as
the Modern Ark (60) planes for its local
routes, among its then ever-growing
fleet.
However, there is now a lot of aerospace
growth anticipation, as the economy
promises to turn around. And there is
more than just Air Zimbabwe flying to
and from the country, giving a huge
boost to the country’s expanding aviation
sector.
Currently, other airlines flying into Zim-
babwe include British Airways, British Air-
ways Comair, TAAG Angolan Airlines,
Qantas Airways, Ethiopian Airlines,
RwandAir, SAA, SA Airlink, Air Namibia,
Kenya Airways, Malawi Airlines, Fastjet
and FlyAfrica. The latter two airlines are
low cost airlines and they are reportedly
experiencing good business, alongside
their premium competition.
This follows the southern African coun-
try’s extension and modernisation in 2017
of the mega tourism and strategic desti-
nation airport of Victoria Falls Interna-
tional Airport that reportedly cost in the
region of $150 million.
Before it was upgraded, the resort airport
previously handled an estimated
500, 000 passengers and now can easily
hold over 1, 5 million per year.
Zimbabwe’s largest airport is the newly
renamed Robert Mugabe International
Airport located in the capital Harare. For-
merly known as Harare International Air-
port, it is a major port of entry for aviation
visitors to the country. The renaming last
year came with the news that it would
also be upgraded to the tune estimated
at over $150 million.
Other airports are the Joshua Nkomo In-
ternational Airport in the second largest
city of Bulawayo as well as the smaller air-
ports supporting domestic and regional
flights such as Kariba Airport (at Kariba
Dam), Buffalo Range in Chiredzi, Hwange
Airport in Hwange, Masvingo Airport
(Masvingo Town), which is home to the
Great Zimbabwe Monument which is a
historic and ancient dwelling) and Charles
Prince Airport in Harare. Chances are that
the rest of these airports may get a boostgoing forward.
The general view is that new airlines will
definitely lead to the reduction of air trav-
elling costs to and from Zimbabwe, a
country gifted with countless globally
renowned tourism attractions.
Zimbabwe has so much potential and its
economy, through a strong aerospace
base, could rise to surprise many locals
and internationals?
However, more good news is expected
from the country’s aviation industry, es-
pecially after “successfully” holding elec-
tions expected mid this year in July.
Much aerospace activity will likely be
boosted as national, African and interna-
tional airline players come into the fold to
express interest to operate services
around and into the resource rich coun-
try, whose tourism is mainly anchored on
the global strength and status of the
mighty Victoria Falls, along the mighty
Zambezi River shared between Zimbabwe
and Zambia.
In the international aviation world, Zim-
babwe (the house of stone in the local
Shona language and borrowed from the
famous stone carved Great Zimbabwe
Monuments) used to hold its own in its
formative years from independence.
There is no doubt the country is on the
rise with so much aviation activity being
experienced. This prospect could soon
see many more visitors lining up to expe-
rience its never-ending flora and fauna.Issue 11 | ...Celebrating the world’s richest continent | http://www.nomadafricamag.com | 53Zimbabwe’s largest airport is the
newly renamed Robert Mugabe
International Airport located in
the capital Harare. Formerly
known as Harare International
Airport, it is a major port of entry
for aviation visitors to the
country. The renaming last year
came with the news that it would
also be upgraded to the tune
estimated at over $150 million.Opinion | Zimbabwe’s Aerospace Industry