By Ntombi Mhlongo
A water cannon salute welcomed the arrival of Eswatini Air when it landed at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Zimbabwe on Friday morning.
This was just after 11:30 am with the Eswatini Air having departed from the King Mswati III International Airport at about 10:15 am and used a straight route.
This marked the renewal of aviation vows between the two countries as the Eswatini aircraft will now have its flight use the Zimbabwean route, something which last happened years ago.
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With about 38 emaSwati including government officials and representatives of the King’s Office, the Eswatini Air was welcomed in style in Zimbabwe. After landing, the Eswatini delegation met with top Zimbabwean government officials after a ceremony of speeches was held.
Leading the Eswatini delegation was Minister of Public Works and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe who expressed how grateful the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini was to have been allowed to have its aeroplane use the Zimbabwean route.
Also in attendance was the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Moses Vilakati and Eswatini Tourism Authority Chief Executive Officer Linda Dlamini.
Other top public figures who were on board included Eswatini Air Chief Executive Officer Captain President Qiniso Dhlamini. In true launch style, the event was spiced up with a performance from the Eswatini Lutsango and Imbali, something which had the Zimbabwean dignitaries calling for more.
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Besides the entertainment, government officials from both countries witnessed the cutting of a cake which was followed by a toast of champagne.
The Eswatini delegation then departed from the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport to the King Mswati II International Airport.
Some of the members of the delegation remarked that they were impressed with the maiden flight by Eswatini Air to Zimbabwe as it appeared to be shorter.