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The Airbus, a mid-range aircraft acquired last year, will service the route daily. It replaces the Boeing 767.
Speaking to journalists soon after landing at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, Airzim public relations executive Ms Shingai Taruvinga said introducing the Airbus had been necessitated by customer demand to have a more efficient and competitive product on the market.
“The Airbus has a wide appeal on the market because it is a better product with more comfort than others. We can operate competitively and profitably using this aircraft,” she said.
She said the Boeing 767 was a long-range aircraft not designed for regional routes as it consumed more fuel than the Airbus.
The A320 is a fly-by-wire modern aircraft, fully automated with a configuration of 12 business and 138 economy class seats. It is more fuel-efficient although it has less carrying capacity than the 767, which makes it better equipped to meet demands of the regional route.
Passengers aboard the Airbus said the introduction of the plane was bound to restore the credibility of the national airline, in decline for the past 12 years.
“I flew from Jo’burg to Harare on Monday on the Boeing 767 and the experience was not as good as it has been today. This is a product we can take pride in,” said Mr Graham Taruvinga.
“I have always been loyal to Air Zimbabwe, even when they were down and I believe that everyone has their ups and downs but people should stick to take pride in flying on our airline so that business picks up and Airzim goes back to where it was years ago.”
Ms Patricia Oakman and her daughter Shannon said they too were impressed with the new aircraft.
“Airzim has always been good, but this plane is far much better than the older one. The seats are more comfortable and the food is excellent,” she said.
Mr Douglas Gapare of Mutare said he was glad the national airline had not disappointed this time around.
“This is my first time to fly Airzim and I am pleasantly surprised because my experience has been far from what l have heard about the airline. This is a big milestone for them. They have managed to restore their credibility. What is left is for them to do a lot of marketing to get the word out there,” he said.
Ms Taruvinga said the introduction of the Airbus did not imply that their other aircraft had become redundant.
“We have plans for them which we cannot disclose at the moment, but we will let you know in due course,” she said.
Air Zimbabwe is trying to restore its viability following years of decline, precipitated by the country’s challenging economic environment.
Online Reporter