The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
Award-winning airline Qatar Airways’ state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 made its inaugural flight to Harare this morning amid cheers from both Zimbabwe and Qatari officials.
It becomes the 15th airline to operate in Zimbabwe.
The aircraft, which features 36 business-class seats and 247 economy seats, was greeted by the traditional water cannon salute upon arrival at Robert Gabriel Mugabe (RGM) International Airport.
Harare becomes Qatar Airways’ sixth new destination introduced since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Its arrival is expected to boost Zimbabwe’s legendary tourist attractions.
Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said the arrival of Qatar Airways in Zimbabwe will boost tourism in the country.
“The airline joins 15 other international airlines to Harare and this new service connects Harare to at least 130 destinations,” he said.
“To note Qatar Airways is the first global airline to achieve prestigious five-star Covid-19 airline safety rating by International Air Transport Rating Organisation.
“We welcome the airline’s expansion to Zimbabwe as a sign of renewed hope in the country’s aviation sector and tourism sector.”
Said Qatar Airways group chief executive Mr Akbar Al Baker: “We have ambitious plans for Africa, which is one of the fastest-growing economic regions of the world, with rising consumer demand and an abundance of natural resources.
“We look forward to strengthen trade and tourism links between Zimbabwe and Zambia, and destination on the Qatar Airways network, and steadily grow these routes to support the recovery of tourism and trade in the region.”
Captain Maxwell Chikava led the crew that flew the inaugural aircraft into Harare via Lusaka.
