Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The inaugural Turkish Airlines direct flight from Europe has landed at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka.
The flight Number TK 609 landed at KK international airport shortly before 10:00 hours.
The airline will be servicing the Lusaka route with direct flights into Europe twice a week.
And government says the commencement of Turkish Airlines flights into Lusaka creates the much needed direct link to Europe.
Speaking after the Turkish airlines plane made the inaugural flight to Lusaka from Istanbul, Transport and Communications Minister Brian Mushimba in a speech read on his behalf by permanent secretary Misheck Lungu says the flights will also result in new routes, shorter travel times and lower fares and ultimately lead to air traffic growth into Zambia.
Mr Mushimba says the direct flight from Istanbul will put Zambia in good position towards realizing the country’s vision of becoming a hub in the Southern African sub-region.
He adds that the direct flight into Europe will also open up business linkages and create potential and opportunity to revive the horticulture industry in Zambia and promote trourism, trade and foreign direct investment.
Speaking at the same event, Turksih Ambassador to Zambia Sebnem Incesu says Turkish Airlines flies to more countries than any other airline in the world with 304 destinations in 122 countries in five continents.
She says the airline plays a special role in connecting people and bridges gaps not only in terms of geographies, but also in terms of social and cultural interaction.
And Turkish Airlines Senior vice president Kerem Sarp says as one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, the airline is always looking for new and innovative ways to bring more value to its passengers.