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He was responding to a question from Cde Nyarai Tsuura (Zanu
PF Mutoko) who wanted clarity on the Government's position on expanding the air
transport fleet.
"I am glad to explain that the Government has got a
very good policy with regards to air transport," said Minister Mhona.
"Government has plans to procure aeroplanes to
resuscitate Air Zimbabwe, I am sure by the end of this month, we will be
receiving an aeroplane ERJ141 which is a 50-seater and it will be very helpful
for the short routes, especially in the region."
Minister Mhona said they were also focusing on expanding
domestic and international route networks with focus now on servicing the
London route.
"We would also like to resuscitate our London route
because we very much want to revive our western routes in line with our
re-engagement policy," he said.
He cleared the air on the alleged ban of Air Zimbabwe planes
from flying to London.
"That also makes me attend to the question that we have
been banned from flying to London," said Minister Mhona.
"It was an issue of some payment arrears to the
International Air Transport Association, which the Government has since cleared
so we are now connected to the international communication systems and we are
now able to fly to international destinations."
The State-owned airline last year cleared the US$1,4 million
debt it owed to IATA and much focus is now on expanding the international route
network and tap into global partnerships.
This latest development is expected to boost the tourism
sector since the London route is a gateway to many other western countries.
The growth of Air Zimbabwe facilitates the opening and
connection to markets and enables industries to link into the global supply
chain.
Meanwhile, the US$153 million expansion and upgrading of the
terminal at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare is now 85
percent complete, as Zimbabwe's "Open Skies Policy" also continues to
attract more airlines into the country and sees airlines increasing the
frequency of their flights.
The Government is accelerating the momentum through
enhancing aviation infrastructure modernisation in line with global standards.
Open skies means that any foreign airline can make arrangements
to open routes into Zimbabwe, or increase the frequency of their flights into
Zimbabwe.
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