Ethiopian Airlines has added a new connection to its route map as part of a broader expansion plan. The move increases its network to 131 destinations globally.
The airline yesterday (Oct. 30) inaugurated a new 4X-weekly flight to Bulawayo, a third destination city in Zimbabwe after Harare and Victoria Falls and a third new destination opened after the pandemic.
The new flight will be operated with Boeing 787 Dreamliners on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, although the inaugural flight was operated by the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew, said: “We are continually growing our network in Africa to provide affordable and convenient air connectivity and facilitate trade within Africa and beyond. The commencement of flights to Bulawayo is crucial in connecting Southern Africa to the world with our 130 destinations in five continents.
“We are glad to serve Bulawayo, the industrial hub of Zimbabwe and Southern Africa accelerating trade with our cargo and passenger services. Our flights to multiple cities in a country indicate our solid commitment to serve our customers and support our continent as the best pan African carrier.”
Bulawayo, also known as “The City of Kings,” is rich in cultural history and is the second largest city in Zimbabwe after the capital, Harare.
Its international Trade Fairs attracts business travelers as well as tourists on a yearly basis, although the airport – Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ) – remains largely underutilized as only few airlines operate in and out of the airport.
The city remains to be an important trade and tourist hub for travelers from all corners of the world and Ethiopian will provide the best connectivity service along with African flavored hospitality. Ethiopian has been flying to the two other cities in Zimbabwe –Harare and Victoria falls, with its first flight to Harare in 1980.
The new route to Bulawayo is aimed at providing convenient and affordable service to the growing post pandemic business and leisure travelers to and from Bulawayo and the Southern African region.
