The introduction of the flights is part of the efforts to intergrate the Southern African Development Cooperation (SADC) to grow trade and tourism opportunities.
It follows the announcement by President Jacob Zuma during the recent launch of the Dube Trade Port terminal that the King Shaka Airport would become a springboard to launch inter-regional communications, and logistic infrastructure and integration.
Launching the new route, SA Express CEO Inati Ntshanga, said they would use a 50-seater aircraft for flights to Lusaka four times a week on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
“The aim will be to increase this frequency to six days very soon. Booking for the inaugural flight on July 12 are now open.
“We are excited to be launching this new route. SA Express has become an active participant in regional economic cooperation and integration in recent years. The objective of the new route is to enable Zambia and South Africa to grow tourism and trade opportunities,” he said.
He said that the next phase of expansion would be to apply for route rights from Durban to Harare (Zimbabwe), Gaborone (Botswana), the Malawian cities of Blantyre and Lilongwe, and the Mozambican cities of Maputo and Vilanculos.
“For Zambia and South Africa to make full use of its growth potential, it will be essential to work in a cooperative manner by promoting further regional economic integration and developing broad regional infrastructure,” Ntshanga said.
