New regional airline heading to Joburg

Zambia’s national airline Zambia Airways, which has its hub at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka will soon be flying to Johannesburg.

The airline was established in 2014 through a joint venture partnership between Africa’s largest carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, and the Government of the Republic of Zambia.

Zambia Airways currently operates domestic flights from Lusaka to several destinations in Zambia including Livingstone, Solwezi and Ndola. It also serves a number of destinations in southern Africa.

JOHANNESBURG FLIGHTS

Next month Zambia Airways will start operating scheduled flights to Johannesburg, using a Boeing 737-700 aircraft on the route.  

Initially, the airline will service the route five times a week from 1 June.

Flights will be on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Saturday. From July the route will be serviced daily.

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AVIATION HUB

According to Travelnews, Zambia Airways intends to play a role in improving accessibility for tourists and business travellers, while trying to transform Zambia into a business, tourism, and transit hub.

“The potential of Zambia to be an aviation hub in the region is huge,” said AA Jiru, CEO of Zambia Airways, per Travelnews.

DESTINATION ZAMBIA

The landlocked African country is home to a treasure trove of mineral resources. The country has a thriving mining sector which produces vast amounts of copper.

Aside from its Copper Belt, Zambia is also known for some amazing wildlife reserves. The country is home to numerous Big 5 game reserves as well as some fine hospitality establishments.

Sharing a border with Zimbabwe, Zambia also offers access to one of the world’s greatest natural attractions – the mighty Victoria Falls.

ZAMBIAN ECONOMY

Zambia is a country that appears to be on the up. As well as having a stable political landscape there appear to be business opportunities in Zambia’s developing economy.  

A number of South African farmers have relocated there.  Zambia also has a large community of commercial farmers from neighbouring Zimbabwe.

“The country is among the largest producers of copper in the world, and with its ease of doing business and a stable political climate, there is substantial business traffic. Among its tourist wonders are its amazing natural wealth including the Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This is in addition to the 20 national parks and 34 game management areas.” Maryvonne Palanduz, Regional MD AirlinePros Southern Africa said, per Travelnews.

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