Emirates expands services to Zim, Zambia

"Emirates has long understood the enormous potential of Africa, which today is one of the fastest-expanding economic regions of the world, benefitting from a combined market of over one billion people, rising consumer demand and an abundance of natural resources," said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and CEO of the airline.

"Zambia and Zimbabwe will be our 20th and 21st African destinations and their addition to our global network will enable us to provide new flexibility and choice for customers, help to grow trade routes and create important new inbound and outbound markets for tourism," he added.

A boost for economic recovery

"The arrival of this airline will be very significant for Zimbabwe, increasing capacity, connectivity and choice as the country strives to consolidate its economic recovery through attracting new trade, tourism and investment," said David Chawota, chief executive officer, Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe. "We are extremely proud of the facilities we have at Harare International Airport and look forward to providing the very best service to the airline's customers from around the world. We really appreciate the support of our Government in facilitating this development."

The Dubai-Lusaka-Harare service will be operated by an A330-200 aircraft in a three-class configuration that offers 12 luxurious first class seats, 42 seats in business class and generous space for 183 passengers in economy class. Passengers flying from Lusaka and Harare will be able to connect seamlessly to points across the Far and Middle East, Indian sub-continent, Europe and Australasia via the airline's hub in Dubai.

A bellyhold capacity of 16 tonnes will support the import and export of a diverse range of commodities, such as machinery, clothing, computer parts, and pharmaceuticals. These goods will arrive from markets like the United Arab Emirates, South East Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and Europe. Fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables will be exported - heading to destinations including Europe, China, Saudi Arabia and South Korea.

Jeanne Fourie,
Tel: (011) 784 2598 - Mobile: (079) 884 8200
felix@magna-carta.co.za