The 2015 stanza of the World Routes Development Summit, which features high profile personalities and executives in the international aviation and tourism sectors has been taking place at the South Africa’s coastal City of Durban in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal since 19^th September up to 22^nd September 2015. During this time, the summit has seen its fair share of tremendous highs. Earlier this week, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines both announced that they would be establishing new flight routes between Doha and King Shaka International Airport and Istanbul and King Shaka International Airport respectively – commencing as early as November 2015. Another exciting development occurred during the closing day of this spectacular function, wherein Proflight Zambia launched its inaugural direct flight from Lusaka to Durban in South Africa - opening up the channels to a more frequent, convenient route for travellers from Zambia to enjoy the sea, sporting and cultural events, shopping and business prospects that the City of Durban has on offer.

The occasion which was strategically timed to coincide with the closing festivities of World Routes 2015, marked another contribution towards a meaningful regional socio-economic integration and co-operation between the two Southern African nations. More importantly, Proflight Zambia will add value to the existing routes that was established recently by one of the region’s operators, the SA Express that conducts regular trips between the Zambian capital City of Lusaka and King Shaka International Airport.

A group of around 40 airline representatives, VIPs, dignitaries and other senior officials were on Proflight’s first direct flight into Durban, upon which they were ushered to the venue of World Routes 2015, Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Conventional Centre where they enjoyed a brief attendance of World Routes Summit’s last festivities. This offered theme the opportunity to explore different features of this global gathering, including strolling through a maze of colourful exhibition stands reflecting multiple destinations across the globe. The party was also treated to an exciting array of entertainment that has been on offer throughout the summit. Upon their arrival at the convention centre, they were received by the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs, Mr Michael Mabuyakhulu; along with Deputy Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Ms Nomvuzo Shabalala; the Speak of eThekwini Municipality, Mr Logie Naidoo and as well as the Head of Department for Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs, Mr Desmond Golding.

The new flight is the second international route for Proflight Zambia and follows the launch of two domestic flights from Lusaka to Kitwe and Kafue National Park this year.

“Proflight’s new international destination brings opportunities to both cities because it offers travellers more access for both business and leisure. Durban is one of the most important destinations in the region for trade and leisure, and this flight offers good connectivity with our domestic flights too,” says Captain Phillip Lemba, Director of Governance Government and Industry Affairs at Proflight Zambia.

Durban is South Africa’s second most important manufacturing hub after Johannesburg – with the presence of a number of major multi-national companies and it is also famous for being the busiest port in the African continent.

Starting from 22 September 2015, Proflight will fly to Durban three times a week using its 50-seater CRJ-100 aircraft. Flight P0024 will leave Lusaka at 11h00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays – arriving in Durban at 13h30h. The returning P0025 flight would be leaving Durban at 14h10 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and arrive in Lusaka at 16h40. On Sundays, P0023 would leave Durban at 12h00 and arrive back in Lusaka at 14h30.

“Durban, as one of the fastest growing economies in South Africa, continues to play an important part in the province’s aviation network expansion strategy,” says Mr. Michael Mabuyakhulu. “We are very delighted with Proflight’s decision to include Durban in their flight routes expansion which has also demonstrated to the world that we are a united people living on a united continent. This move has certainly confirmed the KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa’s desire to accelerate regional socio-economic integration as recited relentlessly during all sessions of World Routes 2015.”

The new service between Durban and Zambia will also enable South African visitors travel to Lusaka conveniently either for business or leisure purposes. It also provides smooth transition between Lusaka and other key commercial and industrial centres in the rest of Zambia such as Ndola, Kitwe, Solwezi and Mfuwe.

ISSUED BY SURGE BRAND STUDIO