QATAR AIRWAYS LAUNCHES INAUGURAL FLIGHT TO ZAMBIA

Transport and Communications Permanent Secretary Engineer Misheck Lungu has said the opening of the director route from Doha to Lusaka opens Zambia to the world and will position the country as key destination for trade and tourism in the region.

Speaking at the Inaugral Launch of Qatar Airways at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport today, the PS said this is very important at a time when there is optimism for the global recovery from the Corona Virus pandemic.

He said Government has invested US$ 1 billion aviation infrastructure to improve aviation safety and security.

The controlling officer said this is meant to improve the travel experience for the visitors to the country as the new route is testament to growing travel confidence and recovery.

And as South African- based Ambassador Extraordinary of the State of Qatar Tariq Ali Faraj Al-Ansari said the route will help boost the bilateral relations between Qatar and Zambia.

He said more Zambians nationals will now find it easier travelling to that country for business meetings and sports tourism.

Meanwhile, Qatar Airlines Vice President for Africa’s Commercial Department Hendrik Du Preez said Lusaka becomes the 5th destination in Africa since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic.

He said the airline connects 140 destinations in the world among them is United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada and India, thereby linking Zambia to the best airports on the globe.

Du Preez said the airline will be connecting its Boeing 787, large business class/ economy class to Lusaka three times per week on a long-term basis.

He said the airline is the Official Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup carrier and hopes the Zambia National Team will seize the opportunity to get to the event.

This is according to a statement released to Smart Eagles by Ministry of Tourism and Arts Public Relations Officer Sakabilo Kalembwe.

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