Uganda Airlines launches new Zimbabwe route

UGANDA — Uganda Airlines has launched flights between Entebbe and Harare on 25 September, aiming to boost bilateral trade and tourism between Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Although Harare is the immediate target route, Uganda Airlines also intends to service the Entebbe-Lusaka-Bulawayo and Entebbe-Lusaka-Victoria Falls routes.

Uganda Airlines also intends to tap into the heavy traffic between Zimbabwe and Zambia through flights.

During the event, Minister Mhona congratulated the Uganda Airlines board and management for their remarkable leadership, enabling them to explore the air space between Entebbe and Harare.

“Indeed, occasions of this nature provide us with a wonderful opportunity to brush shoulders with colleagues from every walk of the aviation, tourism and hospitality industries,” said Minister Mhona.

“We are grateful to Uganda Airlines, the Airports Company of Zimbabwe, the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, the Aeronautical Authority of Zimbabwe, and the whole aviation industry in Zimbabwe for this smart collaboration which has made this occasion a success.

“Zimbabwe as a whole is elated to celebrate this phenomenal event. That is why we have all representatives from every corner of the tourism, aviation and hospitality sectors.”

The introduction of Uganda Airlines into Zimbabwean skies, brings on board new avenues for growth, development and collaboration between the two nations, added Minister Mhona, as the new route will  enhance connectivity between Zimbabwe and Uganda

In October 2019, President Mnangagwa and his Uganda counterpart Yoweri Museveni, agreed to establish a Joint Permanent Commission to enhance co-operation across many economic sectors and to fully implement existing agreements.

Besides passengers, the airline is also looking at moving cargo.

Uganda Airlines has contracted the rapidly growing privately-owned handling company, Air Ground Services (AGS), to be its passenger handling company.

This is the second handling contract the entity has clinched. It is presently working with Fast Jet and is understood to be finalising two other contracts with new airlines eyeing Zimbabwean routes before year-end.

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