Zambia, Turkey to start direct flight

Zambia and Turkey signed an aviation agreement for direct flight between the two countries, the Times of Zambia reported on Friday. The direct flight between Turkey's commercial capital Istanbul and the Zambian capital Lusaka is expected to commence in the first quarter of this year. Zambia's Ambassador to Turkey Miriam Mulenga and Turkey Airlines Chairperson Hamdi Topcu finalized the deal on Thursday, Times said. The Zambian envoy said in a statement that the direct flight will enhance trade between the two countries, adding that a number of Zambians were engaged in trading and business activities with Turkey. The direct flight, she said, would also boost tourism and help Zambia raise arrivals to contribute more to the country's economic growth. On his part, Turkish Airlines Chairperson said Turkey considered Zambia as an important economic destination which deserved to be serviced by a direct flight.