SOUTH African carrier, CemAir, yesterday announced its presence in Zimbabwe by introducing its Johannesburg-Victoria Falls flights.

This move is part of the airline’s strategic growth plans aimed at tapping into the flourishing regional tourism industry.

CemAir will deploy its 50-seater CRJ200 or the 70-seater CRJ 700.

The developments came after the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) approved applications from the low-cost carriers FlySafAir and CemAir to start flying into Harare and Victoria Falls.

Airports Company of Zimbabwe public relations and communications manager Tonderai Mangombe told NewsDay Business yesterday that Victoria Falls has seen an increase in traffic and airline performance, surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels.

“We have some exciting news to share from the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (Private) Limited. CemAir is set to launch flights between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls, with four frequencies per week,” he said.

“The airline will be using either the CRJ200, which can accommodate 50 passengers, or the CRJ700, which can accommodate 70 passengers.”

He added: “We are thrilled about this new development, especially following the successful launch of fastjet Zimbabwe's services to Hwange and Kariba, which also connect to Victoria Falls.

“Since then, Victoria Falls has seen an increase in traffic and airline performance, surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels. This is certainly a positive development for the Zimbabwean skies.”

The aviation regulator issued FlySafAir and CemAir airlines with foreign operator permits (FOPs) to ply the Harare and Victoria Falls routes.

In a statement last week, CAAZ director-general Elijah Chingosho expressed confidence in the government thrust for the aviation sector as a growth strategy towards Vision 2030 in relation to expansion of air connectivity.

“As the aviation regulator, we are fully committed to the growth of the aviation industry, positioning our economy for more trade, investment and tourism,” he said.

“Granting of FOPs to these airlines will provide substantial benefits to the passenger such as fare savings, increased connectivity, more frequencies resulting in greater convenience and time saving.”