Ailing Air Zimbabwe Slash Prices to Lure Travellers

Air Zimbabwe on Friday issued an advert for its promotional fare to Johannesburg as it attempts to lure back long lost customers.

“Air Zimbabwe is pleased to announce further promotional fares. Return ticket to Joburg USD 350 including taxes and service fees. One way USD 180 including taxes and service fees,” read the promotional statement send to Radio VOP.

South Africa Airways which had virtually taken over Air Zimbabwe business during its almost over a year absence from the skies charges USD 630 for a return flight to Johannesburg. It can go up to USD 800 during peak periods.

The promotion is valid until the end of December.

Meanwhile British Airways operated by Comair has also launched a promotional package to encourage travellers to fly with it.

They have launched the British Airways Christmas Shopping special promotion.

It is offering passengers two bags at 23 kgs for free during the christmas season until the 11 of January 2013.

Competition in the Zimbabwe aviation industry is likely to get stiff as more airlines are making a return to the country after years of withdrawal. Dutch KLM which left in the late 1990s made a return last month offering a direct link between Harare and most European capitals via Amsterdam.
Emirates also made an entry a few months ago with a direct flight from Harare to Dubai. Kenyan Airways has since increased its flight frequency between Harare and Nairobi by introducing an
afternoon service. Mozambique’s LAM also started a service between Harare and Maputo.

Other airlines such as Qatar airways are said to be waiting in the wings to get licences to fly into Harare.

The Harare international Airport last year commissioned Africa’s longest runway which allows the airport to handle even the biggest aircrafts in the world. Recently Ethiopian airways flew its Boeing dreamliner into the country with so much ease.