Airzim fails to secure fuel

failed to secure about US$4 000 for fuel supplies.
Sources at Air Zimbabwe said the national passenger carrier, which was once voted the best airline in Africa a decade ago, failed to secure Jet A1 fuel supplies from its suppliers.
“The Bulawayo flight was delayed by almost two hours due to the company’s failure to raise US$4 000 for fuel.
“Passengers waited for the MA60 to take off.
“The money was at last secured from today’s (yesterday) cash sales,” said the source.
They said delegates who were attending the just-ended Zimbabwe International Trade Fair were also delayed at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport by the airline.
Air Zimbabwe acting group chief executive Mr Innocent Mavhunga, confirmed the delay.
He, however, played down the cash shortage saying the delay was a small operational challenge.
“I’m not aware of the fuel shortage issue though there was a delay. It was just a slight operational challenge,” he said.
The fuel suppliers reportedly asked the airline to settle its debts, estimated at US$1 million, before it could release any supplies.
The national carrier requires about 450 000 litres of Jet A1 per week.
London-bound Air Zimbabwe passengers were stranded last week when the flight was cancelled due to reported fuel shortages.