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Business Editor
AIR Zimbabwe has acquired a new aircraft, an Airbus A320, in a move that is expected to restore confidence in the country’s aviation industry and increase connectivity to international destinations. Coming at a time when the national airline is facing operational challenges in the wake of liquidity challenges, the new airliner is set to enhance Air Zimbabwe’s competitivess in the face of competition by regional players and private low cost operators.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Obert Mpofu said the new aircraft was received in Harare on Wednesday at a colourful event that was attended by business executives and players in the transport sector.
“Yes, we’ve received a new aircraft, an Airbus A320. This actually means a lot for Air Zimbabwe as an airline that has been associated with a lot of challenges,” he said.
“This is a valuable addition to our national fleet. In fact we’ll have two of these new airbuses and the second one will be coming in the next two to three or so weeks.
“These are fairly new aircrafts with a capacity to carry 160 passengers. This is part of our modernisation strategy for Air Zimbabwe and efforts to take the airline back to where it was as a fleet of choice servicing destinations such as London in the UK and Beijing in China.”
Minister Mpofu expressed excitement over the development, which he said would boost travellers’ confidence in Air Zimbabwe and help increase tourist arrivals.
“People had almost thrown away confidence in the airline because of the challenges it was facing but this is a boost for the industry. It also comes at a time when tourists are targeting Zimbabwe as their destination of choice. This development will really change Air Zimbabwe,” he said.
Mpofu said the A320 offers optimised solutions as it has lesser fuel burn compared to the current fleet hence it will have lower operating costs, less noise and air pollution.
He said the plane was recently in South Africa for mandatory checks but would not disclose the costs involved.
“I’m not in a position to give figures now as this is a special arrangement. Right now management and board are working the routing of the aircraft. But we’re looking at servicing regional destinations such as Rwanda, Lubumbashi in DRC, Durban and other routes in the Sadc,” he said.
Last week Mpofu revealed that Air Zimbabwe was in talks with about 15 potential strategic partners after the government agreed to take over its $298 million debt.
Online Reporter