Debra Matabvu in Victoria Falls Zimbabwe will continue to implement measures and policies aimed at modernising and industrialising its air transport, a key sector in the country’s engagement and re-engagement thrust, Vice President Kembo Mohadi said yesterday. Opening of the 10th African Indian Ocean aviation week in Victoria Falls, Vice President Mohadi said infrastructure and human capital development in the sector by the Government over the past few years highlighted the commitment to developing the sector and upholding international aviation standards. The aviation week is an annual event organised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and focuses on safety, security and facilitation within the Africa-Indian Ocean region. Vice President Mohadi said: “Through the visionary leadership of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Government reaffirms its commitment towards the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s initiatives and policies, designed to establish and uphold a safe, secure, efficient, economically sustainable and environmentally responsible international air transport system.” “Our Second Republic’s milestones in infrastructure development, health and safety enhancements, human capital development and international collaboration underscore Zimbabwe’s dedication to advancing its aviation sector as we strive towards a middle-income society by the year 2030.” Vice President Mohadi said Zimbabwe had taken measures to ensure the opening up of the airspace to more international airlines in line with the Government’s thrust of engagement and re-engagement. He said the policies were also meant to ensure Zimbabwe benefits from regional integration and globalisation as well as becoming a transportation hub in Southern Africa. “Ladies and gentlemen, through the engagement and re-engagement policy, Zimbabwe’s aviation sector has shown growth, with new airlines coming on board as well as an increase in frequencies by the existing ones. “To date the following airlines among others, are flying into Zimbabwe: Emirates, Qatar, Ethiopian, Air Botswana, Eswatini Air, Zambian Airways, CemAir, fastjet, Kenya Airways, Martin Air Cargo, Mackair, FlySafair, South African Airways, Airlink and Eurowings. “This is an eloquent testament to the fact that Zimbabwe continues to welcome investment and growth in the aviation sector in line with the National Development Strategy 1.” Vice President Mohadi also said Zimbabwe is intensifying reforms in its aviation sector through a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing regional connectivity, advancing environmental sustainability and strengthening aviation security. Vice President Mohadi expressed support for ICAO’s new strategic goal to make global air travel accessible and reliable for all. The initiative targets 85 percent of member states and calls for at least 116 countries to develop national aviation plans addressing public health risks. Speaking at the same event, Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona said Zimbabwe would continue to work with ICAO to promote a safe and sustainable aviation sector. “Indeed, cooperation with the ICAO is crucial for Zimbabwe, as it promotes our engagement and re-engagement foreign policy agenda, championed by our great leader, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde, Dr ED Mnangagwa’s administration,” he said. “As the host country, Zimbabwe is committed to working closely with ICAO and other member states to promote safe, secure and sustainable air transport.” The aviation sector played a critical role in driving economic growth, promoting tourism, and facilitating trade. ICAO president Mr Salvatore Siacchitano called for the opening up of airspaces saying this will advance the continent’s socio-economic development. The event was attended by ICAO member states, senior Government officials and service chiefs.