New aircraft have been added to Zimbabwean low-cost airline, Fly Africa’s fleet, as it pushes ahead with plans to become more competitive.

The regional airline operates five aeroplanes and employs over 100 people.

By expanding its fleet, the airline is giving the public more choice, as South African Express has been the only consistent operator servicing the Bulawayo-Johannesburg route in the past.

The introduction of new players in the market is in line with government policy in Zimbabwe of deregulating the air transport sector, which is seen as a key enabler of economic development.

Earlier this year the Centre for Aviation projected that Fly Africa would command a 20% share of the lucrative Zimbabwe-South Africa routes in 2015. If achieved, this would equate to a 12% increase compared to 2014.

Fly Africa competes with Air Zimbabwe, South African Airways and Comair on Johannesburg routes to Harare and Victoria Falls.

The airline has further plans to expand into Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania and Malawi after being granted three licences to service routes to these territories last year.