Harare — Fly Kumba's maiden flight has now been officially pencilled in for December 14 with a trial run along the Harare-Bulawayo route.

Chief financial officer, Patrick Chapwanya said as part of their strategic plan, the airline intended to kick start their project on a local route before venturing into South Africa and the rest of the region.

He said they were set to do four flights a day to and from Harare and Bulawayo from early morning up to evening.

"The Harare-Johannesburg route will represent our second phase but for now we want to complement Air Zimbabwe on the Harare Bulawayo route. Ideally we want to create a local market for our business first before venturing outside the country so our next stage could be Harare-Bulawayo-Johannesburg," said Mr Chapwanya

Budget airlines were now serious competitors to road transport worldwide.

Citing the case of South Africa, Fly Kumba chief executive Lloyd Muchaka said there were now 60 flights to and from Johannesburg and Cape Town and only five road trips by the country's major transport operators.

"South Africa has embraced the concept of low cost airlines and we want to play our part in ensuring that Zimbabwe catches up by offering a cost effective way of travelling to the public," he said.

Fly Kumba has offices at the Harare International Airport, in central Harare and Bulawayo for tickets and administration. In Johannesburg their offices are at Park Station.

The airline is geared to play their part in championing sport tourism and propping up initiatives by the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry.

"We are also confident that the introduction of the airline would play a pivotal role in boosting tourist arrivals given that tourism is one of the sectors that could significantly contribute to the country's economic growth." he said.

The aviation industry is set for expansion over the next few months, with two other new airlines scheduled to start flying shortly.

On Tuesday, Civil Aviation Authority chief executive Mr David Chaota also announced the scheduled return of British Airways.

The tourism industry is set to benefit immensely from the latest developments, particularly ahead of the 2010 soccer showcase in South Africa.