HARARE – Etihad Airways and Fastjet Zimbabwe have entered into a strategic partnership that will allow passengers to travel seamlessly between the two airlines’ networks, strengthening Zimbabwe’s international air connectivity and supporting the country’s tourism and business sectors.
The agreement, signed in Harare on Tuesday, provides for an interline partnership, a future codeshare arrangement and collaboration on frequent flyer programmes. According to Zimbabwe’s state-owned newspaper, The Herald, the partnership will enable travellers to book connecting flights across both airlines on a single ticket, simplifying travel between Zimbabwe and destinations across Etihad’s global network.
Ticket sales under the new arrangement are expected to begin on 24 August, while the partnership is designed to complement Etihad Airways’ planned launch of direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Harare, scheduled to commence on 24 March next year.
Once operational, passengers arriving in Harare on Etihad services will be able to connect directly onto Fastjet-operated flights to Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg using a single booking, eliminating the need for separate tickets and baggage arrangements.
The partnership also gives Fastjet customers access to Etihad’s extensive international route network spanning the Middle East, Europe, Asia and other global destinations through its Abu Dhabi hub.
The development comes as Zimbabwe seeks to strengthen international air links as part of broader efforts to stimulate tourism, trade and foreign investment. Improved aviation connectivity is widely regarded as a critical component of economic development, facilitating business travel, increasing tourist arrivals and integrating domestic markets with international supply chains.
According to The Herald, Fastjet passengers transiting through Abu Dhabi will also be eligible to benefit from Etihad’s stopover programme, allowing travellers to explore the Emirati capital before continuing to their final destinations.
The collaboration extends beyond passenger connectivity. Fastjet Zimbabwe is expected to become the 32nd airline partner in Etihad Guest, the airline’s global loyalty programme, creating opportunities for reciprocal frequent flyer benefits as the relationship develops.
Etihad Airways Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer Arik De said the agreement formed part of the carrier’s broader strategy to expand its African footprint.
“Africa is an important part of Etihad’s growth, and partnerships like this one with Fastjet Zimbabwe are how we extend our reach and open up more of the continent for our guests,” he said, according to The Herald.
“From Harare to Victoria Falls, travellers can now plan their journey across Zimbabwe on a single ticket, and we look forward to building on this cooperation.”
Fastjet Zimbabwe Business Chief Executive Officer and Country Head Donahue Cortes described the agreement as the foundation of a long-term commercial relationship between the two airlines.
“This marks the beginning of what we believe will be a significant partnership,” Cortes said.
“We are delighted to be working alongside Etihad Airways, one of the world’s leading airlines, exploring opportunities to improve connectivity, broaden travel options for our customers and further strengthen Zimbabwe’s links with key international markets.”
Fastjet Zimbabwe Chief Commercial Officer Vivian Ruwuya said the partnership would significantly expand international travel opportunities for Zimbabwean passengers.
“This partnership opens up the world for our customers in Zimbabwe. From Harare, travellers can now connect onto Etihad’s global network and reach Abu Dhabi and destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe and beyond, all on a single ticket,” she said.
Industry analysts say strategic airline partnerships have become increasingly important as carriers seek to expand route networks without incurring the costs of launching new services independently. Interline and codeshare agreements enable airlines to broaden their market reach, improve aircraft utilisation and offer passengers more convenient travel options through integrated ticketing and baggage handling systems.
For Zimbabwe, the agreement represents another step towards rebuilding international aviation connectivity following years of constrained capacity. Enhanced links with one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation hubs are expected to strengthen the country’s competitiveness as a destination for tourism, investment and regional commerce while providing local travellers with more efficient access to global markets.
