BY BUSINESS REPORTER
Low cost airline, fastjet Zimbabwe, has launched flights from Victoria Falls to Mbombela Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in South Africa as it strengthens its foothold in the region’s tourism industry.
The new schedule service route unveiled on Wednesday will operate three times a week on a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, fastjet said.
“Providing a boost for tourism between the two countries, the new direct flight will be a seamless connection for travellers on the safari circuit, effectively linking the Lowveld lodges in and around the Kruger National Park, directly with Victoria Falls, another of southern Africa’s greatest tourism attractions,” the airline said.
“Fastjet will operate the service using the airline’s 50-seater Embraer ERJ145 aircraft.
“This aircraft type is known to provide the versatility to build a sustainable regional network with the right-size capacity while offering customers comfortable seating with generous legroom.”
Fastjet Zimbabwe spokesperson, Nunurai Ndawana, said “fastjet is a leading airline operating into Victoria Falls and the region.”
“We are delighted to be adding another crucial direct flight connection to Victoria Falls,” Ndawana said.
“We believe this route will facilitate accelerated travel between these two globally recognised tourism destinations of Zimbabwe and South Africa, thereby massively contributing to the restart of tourism in the region”.
Fastjet group chief commercial officer Julian Edmunds said there was an overwhelming response to the introduction of the flights.
“Since our announcement of this route, the response from Victoria Falls and the Mpumalanga Province has been overwhelmingly positive,” Edmunds said.
“Our nonstop service from Victoria Falls to Mbombela Kruger Mpumalanga will benefit a variety of travellers especially those that want to maximise their holiday by exploring multiple southern African destinations in a single visit”.