HARARE — Air Zimbabwe moved a step closer to reviving direct flights between Harare and London on Monday with the arrival of the aircraft that will fly the route, starting on Wednesday.

The Airbus A330, configured to carry 302 passengers, is wet-leased from Spanish airline Plus Ultra.

The aircraft branded Air Zimbabwe, but with Spanish flag colours on its wingtips, touched down shortly before midday, its arrival marked by a ceremonial water salute while a traditional dance troupe performed for assembled dignitaries.

Air Zimbabwe last flew to London in December 2011, when it abandoned the route after creditors threatened to seize its aircraft.

The national carrier was further placed on the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s blacklist in 2017, barring it from operating in European Union or United Kingdom airspace with its own aircraft.

To get around the ban, it has reached a long-term agreement for the service to be operated by Madrid-based charter specialist Plus Ultra.

Under the wet lease arrangement, Plus Ultra will provide the aircraft, flight crew, maintenance and insurance, while Air Zimbabwe manages ticket sales, passenger services and overall commercial operation of the route.

Flights will depart Harare on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with return services from London Gatwick on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Air Zimbabwe has introduced promotional fares starting from £490 or US$495 for a one-way ticket, while return fares begin at £675 or US$900, subject to availability and applicable terms and conditions.

Transport minister Felix Mhona was one of several government officials at the airport to mark the aircraft’s arrival.

“We are so excited as a ministry, but above all as a nation, that after 14 years without direct flights to London, we are now reconnecting with one of our key international destinations,” he said.

“We have not had direct connectivity with Europe. This service changes that. We want passengers from across the region to connect through Zimbabwe and feed into this route.”

Air Zimbabwe has described the route as “one of the most significant milestones in our history.”

The new service “reflects the national carrier’s commitment to restoring international connectivity and strengthening Zimbabwe’s links with key global markets,” it said in a statement.

A tour of the aircraft showed a business class and economy class configuration. Zimbabweans online quickly observed that the economy class on the 20-year-old aircraft has no TV screens or inflight entertainment.

One wrote on X: “They ought to do something — can’t sit for 10 hours with no entertainment like I am flying a 2-hour flight with a budget airline.”

Not everyone was discouraged.

“I wouldn’t mind about the TV,” wrote Rex Mhene. “My main motivation is once I’m searched and remove my shoes in Harare, that’s it until Gatwick in 10 hours.”