The inaugural flight of Turkish Airlines to Zambia has landed at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.
This follows agreements signed between Turkish President Recep Edorgan and President Edgar Lungu during the former’s visit to Zambia in July.
Zambian government has assured Turkish Airlines of all necessary support to its operations.
Minister of Transport and Communications Brian Mushimba says government is providing airlines establishing new routes with incentives.
Mr. Mushimba noted that Turkish Airlines’ inaugural flight to Zambia will help the country attain its vision of being the hub of Southern Africa.
He said the direct flights give an opportunity for Zambia to export horticultural products into Europe, enhance trade and tourism while promoting inflow of Foreign Direct Investments.
Mr. Mushimba has since advised the Zambia Tourism Agency to tell the world the truth that the Victoria Falls which is a key tourism attraction is in Zambia.
The Minister said this in a speech read for him by his Permanent Secretary Misheck Lungu at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport after witnessing the arrival of the First Flight.
And Turkish Ambassador to Zambia, Sebnem Incesu said the launch of the flight is a culmination of the support and cordial relations between Presidents of the two countries.
She said Zambia will soon see concrete contributions of the direct flights toward linking it to the west and promoting cultural and tourism of Zambia to Europe.
Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines Vice President for Sales Kerem Sarp said Zambia becomes 55th African destination of the 36 African countries the airline flies to.
He said the airline flies to 309 destinations across the world and will be flying into Zambia twice a week.
Source: Lusaka Times
