Emirates Annouces Daily Flights to Zambia, Zimbabwe

Starting October 1st 2012, Emirates Airlines will be flying daily to Harare via Lusaka. The linked service, which currently operates five times a week, has performed strongly since its launch on 1st February this year, said a statement from Emirates.  To date, Emirates has carried over 43,000 passengers on this route, it added.   “A daily service to Lusaka and Harare will mean greater choice for customers, while an increased cargo capacity of 40 per cent will facilitate more export business opportunities for both countries, forging greater trade links and increasing access to key trading partners in Asia and the Middle East.” 
The Dubai-Lusaka-Harare service is operated by an A330-200 aircraft in a three-class configuration, offering 12 luxurious First Class seats, 42 seats in Business Class and generous space for 183 passengers in Economy Class. EK 713 will depart Dubai at 7.25am, arriving in Lusaka 2.35pm. The service then departs Lusaka at 4.20pm and lands in Harare at 5.20pm. On return, the flight leaves Harare at 6.50pm, arriving in Lusaka at 7.50pm. It then departs Lusaka at 9.25pm and lands in Dubai at 6.40am the next day.

Emirates could fly Daily by October

According to reports, Emirates which began service to Harare on February 1st could be having daily service by as early as October if the current load factor is maintained. The airline is so far at 80% capacity which is proving to be a success as inaugural flights normally have a load capacity of 40-50 percent, the report stated. In the future Emirates plan is to eventually split the route and have direct service to Zambia and Zimbabwe. This will definitely be a boost to the aviation industry and also help attract other airlines into the country.