Air Zimbabwe to resume intl flights

HARARE - The debt-ridden Zimbabwe national airline, Air Zimbabwe, will resume regional and international flights before the end of this month amid reports that the airline is facing boardroom squabbles, state radio reported on Monday.

The ZBC News report said that the national flag carrier is to hit the skies in a few days time after acquiring two airbuses to service regional and international routes which were suspended owing to the poor financial position of the firm.

The planes were delivered early this month and information gathered shows that engineers from Trinidad and Tobago are already working flat out equipping the local engineers with necessary information required for the maintenance of the aircraft.

Air Zimbabwe CEO Innocent Mavhunga was quoted as saying that everything is on course and that there will be a news conference to announce new developments.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Infrastructural Development Munesushe Munodawafa also said the Air Zimbabwe issue is being discussed at cabinet level.

Air Zimbabwe has been dogged with challenges which have resulted in its suspension from the International Air Transport Association for failing to comply with global safety standards.

The airline is battling to beat the 30th of October deadline to meet set standards. Failure to meet the deadline, Air Zimbabwe will be banned indefinitely from using international airports and the air spaces of other countries.

Air Zimbabwe suspended local, regional and international flights in January following threats by creditors to seize its aircraft. Since then the national airliner has been operating on chartered planes and for special occasions.

It has a debt overhang of over $100 million.