The Sunday Mail
NATIONAL CARRIER Air Zimbabwe says its passenger patronage per flight is set to increase to between 90 and 95 percent ahead of the festive season after indications that its current load factor for the Harare-Johannesburg flight is at 90 percent.
The load factor measures the capacity utilisation of public transport services.
Air Zimbabwe is currently using its 767-200ER which has a seating capacity of 203 passengers for its daily flights to Johannesburg.
The airline also services the Harare-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls route using the smaller Boeing 737, with the domestic load factor measured at more than 80 percent.
Air Zimbabwe’s market share plunged to 0,7 percent in 2012 from 8 percent in 2011.
The airline’s public relations manager, Mrs Shingi Taruvinga-Dhliwayo, said the airline will experience a lot of business during the festive season.
“Bookings to all our destinations are picking up with the approach of the festive season. We are ready to fly our customers into our two major resorts, with Kariba as our new gift this Christmas.
“We haven’t experienced delays and postponement of flights of late.
“We have been reliable and our safety record is also one of the best,” she said.
Following its re-admission to the International Air Travel Association last year, Air Zimbabwe has been trying to regain its lost market.
Mrs Taruvinga also said the airline is eyeing more domestic routes and will soon be connecting intra-regional traffic to Zimbabwe.
“Talking of new routes, the national airline recently opened Harare-Kariba-Victoria Falls, which is good for our domestic travel and great for the international traveller who previously would struggle to have a complete Zimbabwean experience with only one Zimbabwean destination linked by air.
“This will increase bed nights for the hotel industry by creating a wholesome itinerary which will lock in tourists for longer, diverse and value-for-money holidays,” she added.
A fortnight ago, Bombardier, a Canadian aircraft manufacturer, had a demo flight as major stakeholders sampled the Q400 into Kariba.
“The notable interest by the aircraft manufacturer in our airline is to us not just a sign of confidence in the airline but it is a clear sign that as an aviation we are attracting serious aviation suppliers and they see potential in us as a country,” said Mrs Taruvinga.
A total of 14 airlines including Botswana Airways, South African Airways, Air Namibia and Emirates are currently landing in Zimbabwe, which have contributed to the marginal increase in flights and passengers.
