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Charity Ruzvidzo Business Reporter
TRAVEL agencies in the country still have confidence in the service offered by Air Zimbabwe, despite the ailing airline’s numerous operational constraints.
Grace Tombindo, Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents chairperson, said on Friday the under-capitalised national airline, which is battling delayed flights and technical faults, was making a mark in the aviation transport industry.
“Indeed we acknowledge that the national airline, Air Zimbabwe, has its woes.
“However, we feel that since its return three years ago the airline has been doing quite well,” said Tombindo.
“The challenges it is facing I’m sure can be dealt with if adequate financial assistance is set aside.”
Air Zimbabwe has increasingly been failing to take off on scheduled times with reports of midflight scares due to technical faults becoming a cause for concern to the travelling public.
Last week, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu also admitted things were not rosy at Air Zimbabwe, which he said was seriously in need of funding.
Tombindo said Air Zimbabwe was rated as the best in aircraft services regionally last month.
“Air Zimbabwe was last month rated the best regional airline by all the travel agencies. It was nominated as the airline which offers the best aircraft services in the Sadc region,” she said.
A number of regional airlines have sought registration to ply Air Zimbabwe’s lucrative traditional routes — thriving on the national airline’s demise.
Recently, AZTA awarded Emirates the best international airline for the third time in a row.
The association has over the years hosted awards on best travel operator, best offline carrier, best international airline, best safari, best resort or country hotel and best travel agent in appreciation of good service.
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