By JUDITH NAMUTOWE –
QATAR Airways, one of the five-star airlines in the world, is set to commence flights between Doha and Lusaka next year, Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) has said.
The airline is scheduled to start flights between the two destinations during the first quarter of 2017.
Qatar, which will start operating three weekly flights using a 254-seater Dreamliner B787 direct between Doha and Lusaka, was currently in the process of confirming slot allocations with the relevant authorities in Doha.
This is contained in a statement made available to the Times of Zambia in Lusaka yesterday.
ZACL managing director, Robinson Misitala said the development was a step in the right direction as it comes in the wake of massive infrastructure development currently being undertaken by the Government at all the four international airports.
The four are Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) in Lusaka, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe in Ndola, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula in Livingstone and Mfuwe in Eastern Province.
“In order to sustain these developments, there is need to stimulate demand through introduction of new airline routes and operators,” Mr Misitala said.
He said the commencement of Qatar Airways flights would further create an alternative option for connection through the Middle East.
This would ease network connectivity beyond Doha and open new opportunities in the tourism and export potential.
Mr Misitala said it was further expected that the Zambian business entities would take advantage of the new market and explore new export markets especially from an agricultural product perspective.
He said the continuing interest in destination Zambia by various airlines was testimony of the growth potential it had.
Mr Misitala implored all stakeholders to play their part in the  development of the aviation industry and its related industries.
ZACL is still in discussions with Fastjet and Turkish Airlines that have also expressed interest in Zambia.