Deputy Public Enterprises Minister Bulelani Magwanishe on Thursday launched national carrier SA Express’ inaugural flight between Durban and Zambia’s capital Lusaka.

The flight, which left Durban in the morning, was welcomed by the Zambian Ministers of Transport, Communication, Works and Supply; and Foreign Affairs and Tourism; as well as various Southern African Development Community ambassadors in Zambia.

The department stated that the new direct connection was part of SA Express' regional expansion plans out of its Durban base.

The flights will operate twice daily on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, with additional flights to be launched soon.

The route would enable leisure and trade opportunities, as well as benefit KwaZulu-Natal-based manufacturing and retail businesses that were operating successfully in Lusaka.

Further, the department pointed out that Durban was also a natural expansion hub for Zambian businesses that were looking to export globally.

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