Air Zimbabwe acquires new aircraft
Story by John Nhandara
THE transformation of Air Zimbabwe is on course, after the national airline took delivery of a new aircraft, as the national flag carrier works on expanding its operations.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Honourable Felix Mhona launched a 50-seater Embraer ERJ145 procured by Air Zimbabwe at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport this Wednesday.
“Procurement of this asset reaffirms President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision which seeks to grow Zimbabwe to be an upper middle-income economy by 2030 where air transport through the exploits of our national flag carrier plays a critical role in enabling this endeavour. The growth of Air Zimbabwe facilitates the opening and connection to markets. It facilitates trade and enables industries to link into global supply chains,” he said.
The new aircraft is expected to see Air Zimbabwe grow and increase frequency on its domestic and regional routes.
Air Zimbabwe board chairperson, Mr Never Nyemudzo said, “This important gesture responds to the current needs of the national airline where re-equipment is at the centre stage of turning around and growth strategy. To this effect, the Embraer shall be used to grow our domestic and regional routes while the B737 operates our Harare Dar es Salaam route and the B767 for cargo and passenger charters while we explore other routes. The net impact is that it allows Air Zimbabwe.”
“The development resonates with the anticipated growth of the travel and tourism sector,” said Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe Director General, Dr Elijah Chingosho.
Air Zimbabwe is pursuing a turnaround and growth strategy hinged on recapitalisation through acquisition of new planes and route network expansion.
