The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) has recently given its approval and granted Foreign Operator Permits (FOPs) to two South African airlines, namely FlySafair and Cemair. These permits authorise the respective airlines, which are registered in South Africa, to operate passenger and cargo flights to and from Harare and Victoria Falls.
Dr Elijah Chingosho, the director-general of CAAZ, expressed his confidence in the government’s commitment to the aviation sector and its alignment with Vision 2030, which aims to expand air connectivity. Dr Chingosho stated that the granting of FOPs to these airlines would bring significant benefits to passengers, including cost savings, improved connectivity, increased flight frequencies, and enhanced convenience and time efficiency. He told The Herald:
<blockquote>
As the aviation regulator, we are fully committed to the growth of the aviation industry, positioning our economy for more trade, investment and tourism.
Granting of FOPs to these airlines will provide substantial benefits to the passenger such as fare savings, increased connectivity, more frequencies resulting in greater convenience and time savings.
</blockquote>
The exact details regarding the commencement date and flight frequencies will be disclosed by the airlines in due course. This development follows the commendation of Zimbabwe’s open skies policy by Eswatini in April, as its national airline was permitted to operate in the country. Zimbabwe’s open skies policy has been instrumental in attracting investment and tourism, and it continues to gain momentum.
The Royal Eswatini National Airways Corporation (RENAC), operating as Eswatini Air, recently launched its inaugural flight in Harare, joining the growing list of airlines establishing routes between Harare and various destinations. With over 20 airlines now servicing Zimbabwe, the country’s business environment has improved significantly since the advent of the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa.
In March, Eswatini Air and Zambia Airways also obtained foreign operator permits from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, enabling them to provide passenger and cargo services at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare. Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona praised this development, emphasizing the growing economic ties between Zimbabwe and Eswatini, among other countries. Minister Mhona acknowledged the aviation industry’s contribution to the national GDP, employment generation, and the realization of the objectives outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (2021-2025).
Furthermore, Minister Mhona commended CAAZ, the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (Private) Limited, the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Climate and Hospitality Industry, and the private sector for their collaborative efforts in supporting the aviation industry through destination marketing and route development initiatives.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Pindula News

CAAZ Granted Permits To Two South African Airlines For Zimbabwe Operations

Zimbabwe on Tuesday landed a seat on the 36-member International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council during elections held at the 41st ICAO assembly in Montreal, Canada.
A Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development delegation led by Minister Felix Mhona is in Canada, where Zimbabwe was the SADC representative in the elections. The Ministry tweeted:
<blockquote>
Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe under the wise leadership of President, His Excellency Cde Dr E.D Mnangagwa has won the ICAO Council seat Part III at the 41st ICAO Assembly in Montreal, Canada. 
This is the first time that Zimbabwe has been elected into the United Nations specialised agency for Civil Aviation the highest decision making body of #ICAO. The Zimbabwe Delegation was led by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Hon Felix T Mhona.
The foreign policy thrust of engagement and re-engagement are now bearing fruits under the Second Republic #NDS1 #Vision2030
</blockquote>
ICAO says the election process was divided into three parts.
<h2>Part I:</h2>
<blockquote>
 It’s when states of chief importance in air transport are chosen. It saw Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States elected.
</blockquote>
<h2>Part II:</h2>
<blockquote>
 This considers countries with the largest contribution to the provision of facilities for international civil air navigation. It saw Argentina, Austria, Egypt, Iceland, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, and Venezuela chosen.
</blockquote>
<h2>Part III:</h2>
<blockquote>
This is done to ensure all major geographic areas of the world are represented. Zimbabwe was chosen along with Bolivia, Chile, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Jamaica, Malaysia, Mauritania, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Romania, and the United Arab Emirates.
</blockquote>
ICAO is a United Nations agency established in 1944 to help 193 countries to cooperate together and share their skies for their mutual benefit.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Zimbabwe Gets International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council Seat

A local airline, Fly Africa, is readying for a comeback onto the Zimbabwean market at a time when Germany’s Eurowings Discover airline is scheduled to start flying into the country next month.
A top aviation official said another airline from Eswatini is also eyeing Zimbabwe. 
Fly Africa flights commenced in August 2014 between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg, and subsequently on additional routes. However, operations have been suspended since October 2015, on the removal of the airline’s operating licence, reportedly following shareholder disputes and failure to meet statutory requirements.
Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe director-general, Engineer Elijah Chingosho, said Eurowings Discover, will fly to Victoria Falls from Frankfurt. He told a media briefing:
<blockquote>
So far this year we have a European operator called Eurowings. They are expected to start operations from March this year and they will be flying from Frankfurt via Windhoek to Victoria Falls, also we have a local operator called Fly Africa, we were expecting that they would have started, but they are almost ready to start.
We also received inquiries from Eswatini, they are also interested in flying into the country. These are the three which are certain at the moment.
</blockquote>
Chingosho said Fly Africa was targeting the Cape Town-Johannesburg-Victoria Falls route.
Chingosho told New Ziana that Zimbabwe’s attraction of more airlines to fly into the country fitted well into the African Union’s Agenda 2063 target of creating a single African air transport market.
Last week, the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) attributed the growing interest in the country by foreign airlines to improved aviation infrastructure.
The company is in the final stages of completing refurbishment and expansion of the country’s major airport, the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International.
Victoria Falls and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo have already been refurbished to international standards.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/more-airlines-flock-to-zimbabwe/">New Ziana</a>

Another Airline Readying To Start Flying In Zimbabwe

Two people were killed when a microlight <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/11/05/two-people-die-mazowe-plane-crash/">aeroplane caught fire and crashed at Chigumira Farm in Mazowe District, Mashonaland Central Province, on Thursday afternoon</a>
In a statement, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said the aircraft departed Komani Airfield and was scheduled to land back at the same airfield after a training sort/flight. Minister Mhona said:
<blockquote>
Antony Mitchell previously owned aircraft Z-BEE which he had sold to Allister Stobart. Allister Stobart was in the Republic of South Africa at the time of the accident. Allister Stobart requested the previous owner, Antony Mitchell to conduct a type conversion training on Garry Bissette.
Garry Bissette was an instructor on Zimbabwe Microlight Association Non-Type certificated aircraft and several other Non-Type Certificated aircraft. He held a Zimbabwe recreational aircraft pilot licence and his total flying time was estimated to over 1500hrs. Further, some aviation qualifications he held included a full radio licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe. He was not a holder of any flying licence or rating issued/ granted by any Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority.
</blockquote>
The minister said on the day of the accident, Garry Bissette was receiving type conversion training on Z-BEE, a Sting S14 aircraft, while Antony Mitchell was the training pilot/ instructor.
He added that the aircraft engine caught fire while the aircraft was flying over Esbank Farm in Mazowe. The fire swept across the aircraft cabin and other sections of the aircraft. He added:
<blockquote>
The accident occurred 4 November 2021, around 1720hrs Zimbabwe time. Both occupants of the aircraft were killed and the aircraft completely destroyed in the accident.
Plexiglass with ballistic chute circle was found off to the left of the flight path and about 100m before the first point of aircraft first impact with the ground. While the chute, meant to carry the aircraft when deployed in an emergency, was found 50m from the first point of impact, with its suspension tethers burnt through by the fire.d.
</blockquote>
He added that the Air Accidents and Incidents Investigation Department, under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development was still conducting investigations. 
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/two-die-after-plane-caught-fire/">The Herald</a>

Mazowe Plane Crash: Pilot Wasn't A Holder Of Any CAAZ Flying Licence

The Minister of Transport, Joe Biggie Matiza has named new boards for the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) and the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACoZ).
ACoZ used to be part of CAAZ but will now operate independently. Below is the functions of the boards and it’s of board members.
<footer>
<blockquote>The functions of the Airports company are
a) to acquire, establish, develop, maintain, manage, control and operate airports in Zimbabwe:
b) to establish, provide and maintain roads, approaches, apparatus, equipment, buildings and facilities in connection with airports;
c) to provide any scone or facility for the purposes of:-
i. the landing. parking and take-off of aircraft: and
ii. the handling or clearing of aircraft. the supply of provisions to aircraft. including, but not limited to, food, oils and fuels. and the emergency servicing of aircraft on an apron: and
iii. the handling of aircraft passengers and their baggage and of cargo at all stages while they are on the premises of an airport, including the transfer of such passengers and their baggage and of cargo, to and from an aircraft; and
iv. to undertake any other lawful activity at any airport:
d) to plan, design, construct. equip, maintain, repair, adopt and modify airports to the standards required or approved by the AuthoritY and the Government of Zimbabwe for the authorised carriage by air of passengers. baggage, cargo and freight,
e) to provide such services as the Board of the Airports Company considers can be properly provided by the Airports Company, and to charge for those services such fees as the Board may determine from time to time;
f) to develop identified airports in Zimbabwe as regional air transportation, cargo and passenger hubs, and support airline hub operations;
g) to provide safety and security measures for the handling of passengers, baggage, cargo and aircraft together with the personnel requisite thereto, in accordance with local and international standards and recommended best practices and procedures:
h) to carry on the business of importers and exporters, carriers, shipping, forwarding, re-forwarding clearing and transport agents, bonded warehousemen, storekeepers, publishers, printers and general merchants, and to buy or sell and deal in every merchantable commodity, substance and product:
i) to enter into agreements with any person connected with the business of the handling of passengers, baggage, cargo and freighting at international and domestic terminals;
j) it to establish and manage agencies or branches for the purposes of the Airports Company: and
k) to do such other things as a body corporate may do. as specified in its Memorandum and Articles of Association.
This is a new company, with a new board. I strongly hope that there will be groundbreaking initiatives to establish good infrastructures for our airports apart from the ongoing initiatives involving the rehabilitation and construction of RGMIA.
LIST OF BOARD MEMBERS FOR AIRPORTS COMPANY OF ZIMBABWE (PRIVATE) LIMITED
i. Mr. Devnanda (Dave) Popatlal — Chairperson;
ii. Mr. George M. Manyaya;
iii. Tinotenda Ndewende;
iv. Ms. Rumbidzai Dihwa;
v. Dr. Tendai J. Mabvure;
vi. Ms. Sinikiwe Gwatidzo; and
vii. Female Board Member.
LIST OF BOARD MEMBERS FOR CIVIL
AVIATION AUTHORITY OF ZIMBABWE (CAAZ)
i. Mr. Theophilus P. Gambe — Chairperson;
ii. Ms. Mary Joyce Mazhunde;
iii. Ms. Loveness Masuka – Dumwa;
iv. Mr. Nickel Mushangwe;
v. Mr. Tawona N. Zunzanyika;
vi. Ms. Sifelani N. Takawira; and
vii. Technical board member.
</blockquote>
</footer>

FULL TEXT: Transport Minister Splits Airports CoZ From CAAZ, Appoints Boards

Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe has dismissed as fake reports that Zimbabwe airspace remains open and operational.
<img alt="" class="media-img" data-maxheight="487" data-maxwidth="349" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EKUJtD0XYAACAYF?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/>

FULL TEXT: "Airspace Remains Open And Operational," Civil Aviation Authority Of Zimbabwe

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Joel Biggie Matiza, has with immediate effect suspended Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer, David Chawota.
Matiza said Chawota was suspended because he has a case before the courts. Said Matiza:
<blockquote>Yes we have suspended him, remember he is before the courts and we want those processes to be cleared first.</blockquote>
Chawota appeared in court on Wednesday facing criminal abuse of office charges after he allegedly violated tender procedures. Chawota awarded a US$33 million contract to a company he handpicked despite contrary advice from government. The court heard that sometime in May 2013, Chawota initiated a tender process for the air traffic control system through floating of tenders. The tenders were for supply delivery and installation of air traffic control, Radar Surveillance System, supply delivered and installation of navigation aid system, supply delivery of air traffic control communications systems and supply delivery of air traffic control training simulator.
More: <a href="https://africandailyvoice.com/en/2019/03/28/civil-aviation-authority-zimbabwe-boss-suspended/">African Daily Voice</a>

Civil Aviation Authority Of Zimbabwe Boss Suspended

Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) chief executive, David Chawota appeared in court on Wednesday facing criminal abuse of office charges after he allegedly violated tender procedures.
Chawota awarded a US$33 million contract to a company he handpicked despite contrary advice from government. The court heard that sometime in May 2013, Chawota initiated a tender process for the air traffic control system through floating of tenders. The tenders were for supply delivery and installation of air traffic control, Radar Surveillance System, supply delivered and installation of navigation aid system, supply delivery of air traffic control communications systems and supply delivery of air traffic control training simulator.
One of the bidders which had submitted bids for the Radar Surveillance Systems, SELEX Es challenged the award to Indra Sustemas resulting in the cancellation of the award by the Supreme Court in January 2016. Despite the Supreme Court ruling Chawota pushed for the direct appointment of Indra Sistemas SA PL of Spain (Indra) to implement the country’s airspace management systems.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/caaz-boss-in-court-over-tender-scandal/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, <a href="https://zimmorningpost.com/caaz-tender-scandal-chawota-appears-in-court/">Zim Morning Post</a>

CAAZ Boss In Court Over Tender Scandal

Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) chief executive Mr David Chawota yesterday appeared in court over allegations of authorising payment of $56 042,76 for promotional material without doing a comparative analysis.
Chawota appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Vongai Muchuchuti Guwuriro facing harges of criminal abuse of office and was granted Chawota $700 bail. He was ordered to surrender his passport to the clerk of court. Chawota was ordered to reside at his given address until the matter is finalised. Chawota is also a co-director and shareholder at LL Promotions Pvt (Ltd), which is in the business of designing and printing.
During the period extending 2010 to 2015, the State alleged that CAAZ acquired promotional material in form of branded golf t-shirts, caps, calendars and executive diaries from Chawota’s company which is one of its approved suppliers without doing a comparative analysis. The State alleged that Chawota authorised all the payments without disclosing his personal interest in LL Promotions Pvt (Ltd).
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/caaz-boss-in-court-over-corruption/">Herald</a>

Civil Aviation CEO Granted $700 Bail

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Joel Biggie Matiza has dissolved the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe board led by Advocate Thembinkosi Magwaliba with immediate effect.
Minister Matiza told The Herald that the CAAZ board was no longer able to execute its mandate after some of its members relocated to other countries, while others were civil servants who should not be in such boards in line with the Civil Aviation Amendment Act No. 10 of 2018. Said Matiza:
<blockquote>As you may be aware, the Civil Aviation Amendment Act Number 10 of 2018 came into effect through General Notice Number 470 of 2018 published in the Government Gazette of 20 July, 2018. In terms of Section 6 of the Amendment Act, Section 11 of the principal Act was amended to the extent that any person who holds a public office is disqualified from sitting on the board of the CAAZ. As things stand, on the current CAAZ board there are two members who hold public offices and the new law requires that they be relieved of those duties. Furthermore, I was informed by the chairman of the board that one board member has since relocated to Zambia. To that extent, the board can no longer execute its functions as required and expected by law and good corporate governance. I, therefore, hereby dissolve the CAAZ board with immediate effect. The CAAZ Amendment Act further provides for the establishment of an Airports Management Company of Zimbabwe incorporated in terms of the Companies Act (Chapter 24:03).</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-dissolves-caaz-board/">Herald</a>

Govt Dissolves Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe Board

Finland’s Safety Investigation Authority (Otkes) said Zimbabwean authorities have been reluctant to share material into the Masvingo plane crash which killed three businessmen from Finland.
NewZimbabwe was not able to verify the allegations with the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe. According to media reports from Helsinki, Otkes director Veli-Pekka Nurmi said they have turned to South Africa to help investigate the plane crash. Said Nurmi:
<blockquote>We as well as our American colleagues have tried to get information from Zimbabwe – to no avail. That’s why we have now asked the South Africans to help us. To our knowledge, local authorities are still investigating the crash.</blockquote>
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More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/masvingo-plane-crash-finland-investigators-claims-zimbabwe-refusing-to-help/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Zimbabwean Authorities Refusing To Help With Masvingo Plane Crash Investigations

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Joel Biggie Matiza yesterday dismissed allegations that Spanish company Indra was awarded the deal without going to tender.
Matiza said the Spanish firm approached his ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) to finance the procurement of Airspace Management Systems and Radar Surveillance Systems. He said his ministry and the CAAZ board were granted authority to undertake direct negotiations with the company by the Office of the President and Cabinet as was provided for in the now repealed Procurement Act (Chapter 22:14) under PBR 11089 of 2 November 2017. Said Matiza:
<blockquote>Indra Sistemas of Spain through the Spanish Embassy in Harare presented a proposal to finance the project in 2017. The Ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe board then sought authority to undertake direct negotiations with the company and that authority was granted by the Office of the President and Cabinet as was provided for in the now repealed Procurement Act (Chapter 22:14) under PBR 11089 of 2 November 2017. The office of the President and Cabinet reconfirmed its support for the project by its letter dated 22nd October 2018. Based on this approval the CAAZ negotiated a contract with Indra and is implementing the project with funding being provided by Afreximbank.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/minister-dismisses-caaz-corruption-reports/">Chronicle</a>

Transport Minister Dismisses Allegations He Did Not Follow Procedure In Awarding Spanish Firm Tender

In a statement, the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) Public Relations Manager A. J. Hungwe confirmed two applicants died during a selection road run at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
Hungwe said  the families of the deceased had been informed of their deaths. He said the recruitment was part of its efforts to equip its Aviation Security Department. We publish Hungwe’s statement below:
<blockquote>The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe has been in the process of recruiting Trainee Aviation Security Officers. The recruitment is part of the Authority’s efforts to equip its Aviation Security Department with manpower in accordance to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requirements.
It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce that during the recruitment exercise two (2) potential male candidates suffered some medical casualties as a result of the road run. The deceased passed on at Parirenyatwa General Hospital where they had been ferried to receive medical care. The affected families have been informed and the Authority is working closely with the bereaved families during these trying times.
The Board. Management and Stuff’s thoughts and prayers are with the deceased and their families during this difficult tune.
May Their Souls Rest in Eternal Peace.</blockquote>

Civil Aviation Speaks On Deaths Of Two Potential Employees At Robert Mugabe Airport

A private jet which had two people and was allegedly transporting 22 kilogrammes of gold worth about $800 000,  yesterday crashed at around 2PM in Ward 19 in Kennilworth in Matabeleland North’s Bubi District. The two escaped with minor injuries.
Speaking to The Chronicle, Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) Acting Flight Safety Standards Director Mr James Danga confirmed the incident last night and said the two sustained minor injuries. Danga said the jet took off from Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo and was flying to Charles Prince Airport in Harare although he could not immediately comment on the gold.
A source at the scene said the two survivors contacted Fawcett Security company whose guards were at the scene in no time and after a while another jet came and picked up the two. Fawcett security company regional manager in Bulawayo declined to comment.
More: <a href="http://www.chronicle.co.zw/gold-haul-jet-crashes-injured-pilots-escape-wreck-as-guards-rush-to-secure-bullion/">Chronicle</a>

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