By Wallace Mawire
Uganda Airlines has officially launched flights from Entebbe to Harare and Lusaka on 25 September,2024 a development which is reported to open up new possibilities for connectivity and growth in the SADC region and also promoting ease of travel and trade opportunities.
According to Jacqueline Shumba, AGS Executive Assistant, upon reaching Harare, Uganda Airlines made history by becoming the second passenger airline to be managed by Aviation Ground Services (AGS).
She said that AGS, previously focusing on cargo operations, has recently expanded its services to include passenger handling, marking a significant evolution in their operations.
Shumba said that the fast-growing cargo and passenger handling company, Aviation Ground Service (AGS) in Zimbabwe will from 25 September 2024 commence the passenger handling of Uganda Airlines flights into Harare’s RG Mugabe International Airport.
She said that the East African carrier commences four weekly flights from Ugandan capital, Entebbe to Harare, one of Southern Africa’s economic hubs and gateway into the region.
The four-times-a-week flights will be operated using the airline’s modern fleet of Airbus A330-800neo and Bombardier CRJ-900.
Shumba said that AGS has been successful in winning the contract to serve Uganda Airlines as a new customer in Zimbabwe.
She said that this comes after demonstrating their high standards in handling both passenger and cargo airlines across Zimbabwe’s major airports in Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.
Caleb Mudyawabikwa the Managing Director of Aviation Grounds Services said, “With Uganda Airlines we have entered the East African market. We are excited to add Uganda Airlines to our customer base. We aim to provide the airline with our world-class passenger and ground handling services while strengthening our ambitions to serve more airlines in Zimbabwe”.
“AGS demonstrated to us that they are a perfect partner to support our expansion in Zimbabwe. Their proven track record of handling cargo flights and up to 100 passenger flights a week in Zimbabwe with top-class customer service assured us that they are a perfect partner for Uganda Airlines. We look forward to welcoming Zimbabwean passengers onboard our flights as they fly the Crane to the Pearl of Africa”, said Jennifer Bamuturaki the Chief Executive Officer for Uganda Airlines.
In 2023, AGS obtained a passenger handling license after decades dedicated to cargo operations in Zimbabwe. Currently, the handler operates from three international airports in Zimbabwe mainly, Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.
AGS is the premier aviation ground handling service provider in Zimbabwe specialising in Passenger, Aircraft, Warehousing and Cargo Handling.
Shumba said that as an ISAGO certified and RA3 certified organisation, they are the foremost choice for ground handling services in Zimbabwe.
She said that their state-of-the-art ground handling equipment and warehousing facilities, complete with cold room, freezer and dangerous goods storage, provide clients with unmatched convenience and reliability.
Uganda Airlines is Uganda’s flagship national passenger and cargo carrier. They provide scheduled Air transportation in East Africa and near International Markets.
The Airline plans to expand its network to Southern Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the Far East.