In May 2020, the Government of Burundi unveiled plans to launch a new national carrier under the brand name Burundi Airlines (Bujumbura).
Burundi Airlines (IATA: n/a, ICAO: n/a) is a state-owned national airline of Burundi, to function as the national carrier of that East African country. The government of Burundi owns 92 percent of the new airline's stock. Burundi Airlines was formally established on 4 February 2021.
The new airline is a merger of the defunct Air Burundi, which ceased operations in 2009, and SOBUGEA, a Burundian government-owned company responsible for ground handling and airport maintenance. The new combined entity will own 92 percent of Burundi Airlines stock. The remaining 8 percent shareholding will be split between a Belgian company and the state-owned insurance company, Societe d’Assurances du Burundi (Socabu).
This part is not sponsored by Air Burundi/Burundi Airlines!
1980
AIR ZIMBABWE
1980
Half a Century in Aviation: From Air Rhodesia to Air Zimbabwe
Air Rhodesia Boeing 720-025 YP-YMN
Photo:
Air Zimbabwe, the once-proud national airline, which began its journey in 1980 with a modern fleet inherited from Air Rhodesia, is now a global laughingstock, a shadow of its former self.
At independence, Air Zimbabwe inherited 15 well-maintained aircraft, including five Boeing 720s for regional and international routes, three Viscount 700s for domestic and short-haul flights, and seven Hawker Siddeley HS 748s for domestic services.
Air Zimbabwe
was headquartered on the property of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport,in Harare. In the 1970s and 1980s, the airline proudly operated domestic routes connecting major cities such as Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, and Chipinge.
>br>From its hub at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, the carrier used to operate a network within southern Africa that also included Asia and London-Gatwick.
However, decades of corruption, political interference, and mismanagement have turned what was once a symbol of hope and progress into a cautionary tale.
Following financial difficulties, Air Zimbabwe ceased operations in late February 2012. Serving a reduced domestic network, the carrier resumed operations for a short period between May and early July 2012, when flights were again discontinued. Some flights were restarted on a discontinuous basis in November that year. The airline resumed operating some domestic routes as well as the regional service to Johannesburg on a daily basis in April 2013.
The company has been a member of the International Air Transport Association, and of the African Airlines Association since 1981. As of July 2014, it is owned by the Government of Zimbabwe.
Air Rhodesia Vickers Viscount 748 VP-YNC
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History
Air Zimbabwe Boeing 707 Z-WPE
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Air Zimbabwe Boeing 737-200 Z-WPC
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Air Zimbabwe decided to gradually replace Air Rhodesia's old aircraft with new modern Boeing 737-200 and Boeing 767-200.
Air Zimbabwe Boeing 767-200 Z-WPE
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With the absolutely "state of the art" large Boeing 767-200, a whole new world began to open up for Zimbabwe. London was one of the most desirable cities to fly to. Asia also became a target for businessmen in the first place.
There was no financial concern for Air Zimbabwe and the airline grew rapidly and new different types of aircraft joined the fleet.
1990
Concerns in the aviation world
In the early 1990s, the world economy deteriorated. One of the problems was the rising cost of fuel. Many airlines were shut down due to declining passenger numbers. Boeing and Airbus began to develop larger aircraft, but then with fuel-thirsty engines.
Air Zimbabwe did not realize in good time to rejuvenate its fleet. Several of the aircraft were grounded because the airline did not have sufficient funds for maintenance.
The first of Air Zimbabwe 737-200 Z-WPA in the new smart livery.
Photo:
In connection with the maintenance of one of their flagships, a Boeing 737 one of three and the Flagship Boeing 767-200 Z-WPE aircraft received a brand new paint job.
The first of Air Zimbabwe 767-200 Z-WPE in the new smart livery.
Photo:
2004
Financial turmoil and service disruption
In February 2004, it was revealed that the company had been temporarily suspended by the IATA over unpaid debts.
Air Zimbabwe flies into a headwind. The economy is at rock bottom and several attempts are made to save the situation by maintaining domestic flights
Transportation China had been involved in all aspects of public transportation in Zimbabwe: road, rail and air. In 2004, Air Zimbabwe reached an agreement with the Chinese National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation for the acquisition of a long-haul plane (replacing one of their B767).
The first of Air Zimbabwe XIAN MA60
Photo
At the same time Air Zimbabwe also signed an agreement to buy two Xian MA-60 Air Zimbabwe has also benefited from Chinese generosity through the gift of an MA60 aircraft that the airline has been using on local and regional routes. Apparently China made a ”buy two get one free deal.
The decline in fleet size and route availability highlights, the impact of economic challenges and mismanagement that the airline has faced over the years.
It was noted at the time that this was aimed at assisting tourism in Zimbabwe. Although there were initial reports of technical difficulties, these were largely unfounded.
A foreign exchange crisis in the country led to the cancellation of the carrier's operations in late 2005, following the lack of hard currency to pay for the fuel.
2006
In late October 2006, the prices of Air Zimbabwe tickets increased up to 500%, partly due to the inflation in the country rising to over 1,000% at that time the Zimbabwean Central Bank stated that it could not continue supporting Air Zimbabwe and other money-losing state companies—and partly because the airline was in need of foreign currency to pay for fuel, spare parts, and catering. It was also disclosed that passenger numbers had fallen from 1 million in 1999 to 23,000 in 2005.
Informed sources told reporters that Air Zimbabwe’s long haul aircraft, a Boeing 767-200 known as Victoria Falls, was seized by American General Supplies upon landing at London’s Gatwick International Airport on Monday morning from Harare International Airport.
American General Suppliers secured a court injunction in the US that gave them the power to impound the aircraft over US$ 1, 2 million debts.
2010 roomers /B>
In late 2010 the airline announced it had ordered two Airbus A340-500s to serve the Harare–Beijing and Harare–London routes the order was later cancelled after the company failed to raise the money.
2011
Out of IATA
In February 2011 the airline temporarily suspended its flights to Johannesburg over likely impoundments of its planes by creditors due to unpaid debts.
In May 2011, the airline was suspended from IATA's international financial and booking system over unpaid booking fees. The regional and domestic services were suspended for a short period in May 2011, following both the grounding of its Boeing 737-200 fleet by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) over maintenance concerns.
In mid-June 2011, flights to London and South Africa were temporarily suspended because of a due debt with fuel suppliers.
In late June 2011, Air Zimbabwe was forced to return the Boeing 737-500 it had hired from Zambezi Airlines to partially compensate the lack of equipment following the grounding of its Boeing 737-200 fleet, as it was unable to afford the costs of its leasing.
The airline started regularizing medium- and short-haul operations in July 2011, as it got clearance from the CAAZ to operate one of its three grounded 737-200m, the Boeing 737-200 Z-WPA "Mbuya Nehanda". The aircraft was mainly used to operate the Harare–Johannesburg route
Operations were discontinued again in late July 2011, this time due to a pilots' strike, resuming in mid-September after a 50-day-long strike. Overseas routes resumed on 11 November 2011.
2012
Air Zimbabwe Private LTD
However, flights to the United Kingdom and South Africa were suspended in January 2012 over likely impoundments of the airline's aircraft for outstanding debts. The aircraft was mainly used to operate the Harare–Johannesburg route; it was disclosed the company had to fly the route using one of their Boeing 767s.
In January 2012, the airline came under judicial management. Following a failed revival attempt, in which the pilots refused to resume domestic services over US$35 million in unpaid salaries and allowances, it was announced on 24 February 2012 that Air Zimbabwe would be grounded indefinitely. The Xian MA60 Z-WPL aircraft that had been flown to Johannesburg in July 2006 had returned to Harare for storage and was presumed for sale.
In March of the same year, the government of Zimbabwe established Air Zimbabwe Private Limited as the new owner of the carrier after disbanding the airline's former parastatal owner Air Zimbabwe Holdings and absorbing a US$150 million debt.
The airline resumed flying on a continuous basis in early May 2012, yet using a singel Boeing 737-200 aircraft and serving only three domestic destinations: Bulawayo, Harare and Victoria Falls and only for a short period of time until the grounding of the aircraft on 2 July 2012 for heavy maintenance.
The airline was reactivated in late November 2012, with the aged Boeing 737 with reduced flight scheme serving the Harare–Johannesburg route and with a triangel route from Harare serving Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.
Air Zimbabwe was under pressure to renew and expand its fleet in the face of growing competition. The airline had to lease aircraft on short term grounds to service some of its routes from time to time. To boost the airline´s only Boeing 737-200 that had resumed operation last July 2012, the government was forced to find a lessor which had an aircraft suitable for Air Zimbabwe.
As of January 2012, there had been discrepant versions over the acquisition of new Airbus aircraft or to lease an Airbus A320 , since the secretary of the Zimbabwean Ministry of Transport has denied the transaction. However, it was leaked out from the "office" that there existed records for the delivery of an A320 to the company new or leased.
At last it was reported that Air Zimbabwe had been offered to dry lease two Airbuses A320-214 to a cost of US$ 200.000 each from the aviation broker China Sonangol with a disputed leasing contract of an Airbus A320 through Isle of Man brokers SouthJet. This contract was probably not sanctioned by government, but only signed by the airline's representatives.
The introduction of A320 services was informed in May 2013, when it replaced the Boeing 767s on the Harare–Johannesburg route.
It was announced in early November 2011 that the government would absorb a US$140 million debt in order to make the company more attractive to foreign investors. Already in December 2011, the carrier struggled to provide its regional and overseas services amid aircraft impoundments over unpaid debts.
Air Zimbabwe abandoned the Harare - London route in January after its Boeing 767-200 ER, Z-WPE was impounded at London-Gatwick airport over a US$ 1,2 million debt with a United States part supplier.The aircraft was held at London for more than two weeks before it was released after the payment of debt.
2012
Air Zimbabwe grounded indefinitely
However, flights to the United Kingdom and South Africa were suspended in January 2012 over likely impoundments of the airline's aircraft for outstanding debts.
In January 2012, the airline came under judicial management. Following a failed revival attempt, in which the pilots refused to resume domestic services over US$35 million in unpaid salaries and allowances.
It was announced on 24 February 2012 that Air Zimbabwe would be grounded indefinitely. The Xian MA60 Z-WPL aircraft that had been flewn to Johannesburg in July 2006 has returned to Harare for storage and is presumed for sale
In March of the same year, the government of Zimbabwe established Air Zimbabwe Private Limited as the new owner of the carrier after disbanding the airline's former parastatal owner Air Zimbabwe Holdings and absorbing a US$150 million debt. The airline resumed flying on a continuous basis in early May 2012, yet using a singel Boeing 737-200 aircraft and serving only three domestic destinations: Bulawayo, Harare and Victoria Falls and only for a short period of time until the grounding of the aircraft on 2 July 2012.
The airline was reactivated in late November 2012, with a reduced flight scheme serving the Harare–Johannesburg route. Reports indicated the carrier resumed domestic operations connecting Bulawayo, Harare and Victoria Falls, as well as the regional route to Johannesburg, on a daily basis service with the aged Boeing 737-200.
2013
Air Zimbabwe recapitalizing
Reports indicated the carrier resumed domestic operations connecting Bulawayo, Harare and Victoria Falls, as well as the regional route to Johannesburg, on a daily basis in April 2013, ahead of the 2013 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.
Approximately 600 employees out of more than 1,000 had been laid off by late May 2013 as part of cost-cutting measures aimed at recapitalizing the airline.
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority had revealed in June 2013 that the airline's market share suffered a steep decrease in the year ending 31 December 2012, with a 0.8% participation in this period down from 27% in the same period of 2009.
Air Zimbabwe was under pressure to renew and expand its fleet in the face of growing competition. The airline had to lease aircraft on short term grounds to service some of its routes from time to time. To boost the airline´s only Boeing 737-200 that had resumed operation last July 2012, the government was forced to find a lessor which had an aircraft suitable for Air Zimbabwe.
Air Zimbabwe was at this time offered to dry lease two Airbuses A320-214 to a cost of US$ 200.000 each from the aviation broker China Sonangol International (the same company that had caused problem for Air Tanzania) with disputed leasing contract of an Airbus A320) through Isle of Man brokers SouthJet. This contract was probably not sanctioned by government, but only signed by the airline's representatives.
Air Zimbabwe A320 Z-WPN msn 630
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The two Airbus A320 Z-WPM ( msn 630) (the former Air Tanzania 5H-MWH) and the second Airbus A320 Z-WPN (msn 1973) were part of a 2012 deal between China Sonangol International (Hong Kong Int'l) and the then Mugabe regime to help revive the debt-ridden state-owned airline. The deal was structured via a pair of IOM-based SPVs, SouthJet. The first dry leased Airbus A320-214 Z-WPM entered immediately the important service to Johannesburg, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls routes.
2016
The infamous history behind Air Zimbabwe´s 777-200s
Air Zimbabwe was now in such a vulnerable financial situation. Rumors soon spread that the government was discussing the possibility of starting a new airline "Zimbabwe Airways" and thereby getting out of debt.
The facts was that the old Mugabe-led government was planning to launch an entirely new airline Zimbabwe Airways. The name, “Zimbabwe Airways”, should be owned by Zimbabwe Aviation Leasing Company (ZALC). The owners and directors of ZALC were not known since the official company records had disappeared. However, Simba Chikore, ex-chief operating officer of the other airline Air Zimbabwe and ex-President Robert Mugabe son-in-law , is rumoured to have a connection to Zimbabwe Airways.
The new airline was in need of aircraft to maintain flights to China. Malaysia Airlines had by then a number of older Boeing 777-200s and Embraer for sale and the new airline showed their interest.
Still under the name Air Zimbabwe, then applied to the State Procurement Board (SPB) in October 2016 for permission to acquire four of Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777-200ER. Permission was duly granted in November of the same year. The aircraft purchase was negotiated during the political era of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe. Negotiations were carried out in secret, so as not to jeopardize the sensitive deal. Eventually the State put together enough money to pay for two of the B777s and one Embraer E-Jet.
However, by the time the firs Boeing 777-200 Z-RGM arrived in the country, Air Zimbabwe had deteriorated to such an extent, that it could not present a "credible business plan to run the planes on a sustainable, profitable basis".
The government registered Zimbabwe Airways, which developed a credible business plan. The government created "Zimbabwe Aviation Leasing Company", which owns the planes and leases them to Zimbabwe Airways.
While the airline, which was then operating under the name Air Zimbabwe, had originally intended to acquire four Boeing 777-200s, it secured just two aircraft in 2016. During this period, Zimbabwe Airways had accumulated a debt of more than $300 million dollars. The aircraft purchase was negotiated during the political era of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe.
The government of Zimbabwe has negotiated the terms for the release of the first two Boeing 777-200S of four, for the flag carrier of Air Zimbabwe from the Malaysia Transport and Infrastructure Department.
The national flag carrier was still under reconstruction could have taken delivery of the planes a little bit earlier had the deal not been choked by the administrative challenges.
The aircraft ex Malaysia Airlines units previously due to be taken by stillborn start-up- Zimbabwe Airways Z-RGM (28421) and Z-NBE (28422) were stored at Kuala Lumpur Sabang.
It sent a team to Malaysia headed by the permanent secretary to finalize the negotiations and it was reported one of the two aircraft Z-RGM should be realesed as soon as possible following the the second
2018
The first of the two ex Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777-200 landed on 20th January 2018
on Harare International Airport in the livery of Zimbabwe Airways.
Photo:
However, by the time the plane arrived in the country, Air Zimbabwe had deteriorated to such an extent, that it could not present a "credible business plan to run the plane on a sustainable, profitable basis".
The government registered Zimbabwe Airways, which developed a credible business plan. The government created "Zimbabwe Aviation Leasing Company", which owned the planes and leases them to Zimbabwe Airways.
As of April 2018, Zimbabwe Airways did not receive an Air operator's certificate (AOC), from the Zimbabwe Civil Aviation Authority and the aircraft never deployed on commercial service and was subsequently ferried back to Malaysia om May 25 2018 amid payment.
Latest News 2024
Updated 18th October, 2024 "Mont Gabaon Airlines"
Air Zim Resumes Johannesburg Flights!
Passengers boarding Air Zimbabwe ERJ-145 Z-WPU on the reopening of the Johannesburg flights.
Air Zimbabwe today resumed flights on the Harare-Johannesburg route in a move that is expected to boost economic activity in the country. Air Zimbabwe will fly between Harare's Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) and Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The national airline confirmed the development in a statement."Air Zimbabwe is thrilled to announce the successful resumption of our flights from Harare to Johannesburg.
Air Zimbabwe operate their ERJ-145 on the Johannesburg route. Hopefully this will be turning point for Air Zimbabwe.
Air Zimbabwe has struggled against headwinds in recent years.
Once upon a time, Air Zimbabwe was an airline with a good reputation until the economy started to take a hit.
At the time Air Zimbabwe was upgraded with new Boeing 767 and Boeing 737 and were considered reliable.
Air Zimbabwe has struggled against headwinds in recent years. It has been promised that the airline would acquire modern aircraft. The absolute worst deal came with Malaysia Airlines and two Boeing 777s that were flown to Harare and never entered service.
On Flight 24 there is only information that only one Boeing 737 is in service. The status of the two ERJ-145 is for the time being not known.
One of the two Boeing 767s has undergone a service and is now leased to Mont Gabaon Airlines. The two Boeing 777 aircraft that have been tricked have also not been taken into service.
The carrier has also not been able to resolve the dispute regarding the ownership of the Airbus A320 and the two MA-60.
This disclosure has raised serious concerns about transparency and oversight within the national carrier. “Efforts are being made to trace the ownership of the aircraft and ensure all records are updated accordingly.
This admission has sparked alarm among parliamentary members and the public, highlighting potential governance and operational issues within the airline. The lack of transparency could have significant implications for the management and operational efficiency of Air Zimbabwe, as well as for its financial accountability. As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders are keenly watching for further developments, hoping for swift resolution and increased accountability within Air Zimbabwe’s operations.
Air Zimbabwe second Embraer ERJ145 Z-WPU msn 14559.
Cash strapped Air Zimbabwe leases out one of its long-haul aircraft to DRC airline
Air Zimbabwe B767-200 Z-WPF "Chimanimani" is ready to operate after maintenance at Harare Int Airport. The aircraft will be leased out to Mont Gabaon Airlines of the Democratic Republic Congo.
The cash strapped Air Zimbabwe were forced to ground its long-haul planes, which are more expensive to maintain, after discontinuing its London and Shanghai flights.
In order to save the airline from a total bankruptcy, Air Zimbabwe has leased out one of its two long haul Boeing 767 aircraft to Mont Gabaon Airlines of the Democratic Republic Congo. The aircraft is on a long lease to Mont Gabaon Airlines.”
The aircraft, which had been parked in Harare for two years, flew to the DRC second city of Goma on May 4 where it was repainted.
The aircraft sent to the DRC is Z-WPF which made its first flight in September 1990. It’s new DRC owners have left its name, Chimanimani, in place on the right side of the cockpit. With a historic foreign debt of over US$30 million, Air Zimbabwe has been unsuccessful in trying to court a foreign partner.
* * *
The Workhorse "Mbuya Nehanda" the last B737-200 operating passenger service in African skies!
The true workhorse Air Zimbabwe Boeing 737-200 Z-WPA "Mbuya Nehanda"
Air Zimbabwe Boeing 737 Z-WFA was captured on a photo at Lusaka Int airport on 24th November 2023.
According Flight 24 Air Zimbabwe operated the Boeing 737 Z-WFA as UM439.
Robert Mugabe International airport (HRE) Zimbabwe
* * *
The Fleet
Air Zimbabwe seccond Embraer ERJ145 LU N214MA msn 14559.
Air Zimbabwe 50-seater Embraer ERJLR 145 Z-WPQ msn 145373.
The Embraer E-145 is short range jet with capacity of 50 passengers and has a range of up to 2.873km.
Air Zimbabwe Boeing 767-200 Z-WPF
2023, Air Zimbabwe (UM, Harare International) new acting Chief Executive Officer Edmund Makona plans to convert one of the airline's two stored B767-200(ER)s into a freighter and put it back into service in the next two months, reports The Zimbabwe Independent newspaper. Still in the beginning of 2024 the aircraft is stored.
AirZimbabwe’s oversized, uneconomical and aged Boeing 767-2NO Z-WPF "Chimanimani´s" destiny is not known but will probably operate on longhaule routes in the future.
Air Zimbabwe Boeing 737-200 Z-WPA "Mbuya Nehanda".
What had Air Zimbabwe to do without its only airworthy 737-200 Z-WPA. From the beginning in 1986/87 "They" were the "Triplets" WPA, Mbuya Nehanda, WPB, Great Zimbabwe and WPC Matojeni . WPB and Z-WPC are stored probably both at Harare even if Z-WPB was logged last VFA/BUQ to Bulawayo.
However, the aircraft that was delivered brand new to Air Zimbabwe in 1986 was slowed down by an expensive and lengthy D-Check. The airline's engineers and mechanics apparently used the corona lockdown phase productively. As local media report, they made the Z-WPA fit again with great effort over months of work.
Then she is said to have taken off in Harare for a three-hour test flight, which put a smile on everyone's lips. Thus, the 34-year-old jet, which bears the name of the national heroine Mbuya Nehanda, could face a whole series of more years of service - just like many other 737-200s around the globe.
The Boeing 737 is and will remain a long-runner. This is especially true for the "original version" 737-200, which with its slim, loud and extremely thirsty JT8D engines doesn’t really fit into the times, but whose services will continue to be in demand in the future.
Even if the number of flyable specimens will continue to decrease, there will be a few oases and for the legendary "thunder pig" for a long time to come. Mbuja Nehanda is equipping its 737-200 with glass cockpits and even wants to expand the sub-fleet. After all, with the right maintenance, 40 years is no age for an aircraft ...
Air Zimbabwe Boeing 777-200 Z-RGM msn 28428 stored at Addis Ababa. Media reports that air-
craft is available for lease.
Air Zimbabwe stored its two B777-200ERs: Z-NBE (msn 28422 and Z-RGM (msn 28421) at delivery on their maintenance area at Harare International Airport and they are on the dry-lease market. Neither aircraft has ever been deployed into commercial service for the state-owned Zimbabwean carrier.
Air Zimbabwe Cabin
Air Zimbabwe Boeing 737-200 Mbuya Nehanda first class cabin.
Air Zimbabwe Boeing 737-200 Mbuya Nehanda economy class cabin.
Air Zimbabwe Boeing 767-200 first class cabin.
Air Zimbabwe Boeing 767-200 economy class cabin.
Air Zimbabwe ERJ-145 All class cabin.
Air Zimbabwe MA60 All class cabin.
Air Zimbabwe Viscount All class cabin.
Air Zimbabwe Boeing 707 economy class cabin.
Air Rhodesia DC-3 mixed cargo and passenger class
Grounded Aircrafts
The Airbus A320 Z-WPM in a deplorable condition after the perils are parked because the ownership
conditions are not resolved.
Air Zimbabwe Xian MA 60 Z-WPK msn 2016. Status unknown.
Is there any chance for Air Zimbabwe to solve the owner-problem of the Airbus A320-214 Z-WPM and the three MA-60 aircraft that are stranded behind the airport hangar in Harare regarding owner-problem and with lack of funds to make them serviceable again.
1967
History
Air Zimbabwe
Air Zimbabwe formally came into being on 1 September 1967, when the Government of Rhodesia created Air Rhodesia Corporation to succeed Air Rhodesia, a wholly owned subsidiary of Central African Airways Corporation (CAAC) that had existed since 1951 as a domestic airline within Rhodesia.
Douglas C47 Dakota VP-YKA at Harare (Salisbury) Int airport 1959
Photo: Brian Robbins
1953
Central African Airways (CAA) 1953-1964
Central African Airways (CAA) was a supranational airline corporation serving as flag carrierfor Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland (respectively the present day countries of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi), which were organised as the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, also known as the Central African Federation, from 1953 to 1963. Based in Salisbury, it offered an extensive network of domestic passenger and cargo flights, as well as international services to major cities in Southern and Central Africa, and a route to London. In 1960, CAA owned 15 aircraft and had 1,155 employees.
1964
Air Rhodesia 1964
Boeing 707-025 VP-YNL at Harare (Salisbury) Int. airport 1977
Photo: Wikimedia
Air Rhodesia fleet at the Salisbury Int. airport 1975
Photo: Robin DW Norton
Vickers Viscount 748 VP-YNC at Bulawayo airport, Rhodesia early 1970s.
Photo: John Wheatley
Air Rhodesia was the national airline of Rhodesia. Its head office was located on the property of Salisbury Airport Rhodesia.
The airline was formed as a subsidiary of Central African Airways (CAA) in June 1964, but became an independent corporation on 1 September 1967. It flew internal routes to Buffalo Range, Bulawayo, Fort Victoria, Kariba, and Victoria Falls. During the 1970s, it operated international flights to Johannesburg and Durban in South Africa; Beira, Vilanculos and Lourenço Marques in Mozambique; and Blantyre in Malawi.
Air Rhodesia's mainstay aircraft were Douglas DC-3, Dakotas, Vickers Viscount 700D turboprops and Boeing 720 jetliners, which were successfully purchased in April 1973 despite sanctions against the Rhodesian government. After the country was renamed, the airline became known as Air Zimbabwe Rhodesia in 1979, before reforming as Air Zimbabwe in 1980.
1979
Air Zimbabwe Rhodesia 1979 - 1980
Air Zimbabwe Rhodesia Boeing 720-025 VP-YMN at Salisbury/Harare Int Airport 1973
"Air Zimbabwe Rhodesia" became the short-lived in 1978. Air Zimbabwe Rhodesia ordered construction of a large new hangar in 1979. Thoughts imediately turned to reopening routes to destinations long closed to the airline as a result of sanctions.
1980
Air Zimbabwe 1980 -
Air Zimbabwe was formed in April 1980 when the Republic of Zimbabwe was formed. Thoughts imediately turned to reopening routes to destinations long closed to the airline as a result of sanctions.
In the beginning, Air Zimbabwe operated Air Rhodesias/AirZimbabwe Rhodesia older fleet which was then grounded when the new carrier upgraded the fleet with new modern aircraft. Services connecting Harare with South Africa (Durban and Johannesburg) had been operated before the country gained its independence. Scheduled services began on 2 April 1980 to London Gatwick with on the inheritated Boeing 720-025.
Boeing 720 VP-YNL at London/Gatwick Int airport. 1973
Boeing 707-330B Z-WKS at London Heathrow Int airport 1982. UK
The company leased a Boeing 707-330 from South African Airways until May 1981, when three Boeing 707 were bought from Lufthansa. That year, flights to Frankfurt were inaugurated. The airline recorded a ZWL 330,000 (£220,000) profit for the fiscal year that ended on 30 June 1980. The two (2) last Vickers Viscount 810-serie were purchased by DAN-Air, UK.
Boeing 707-330B Z-WKS Harare Int airport, Zimbabwe 1981.
Photo: Edward Wasbuton
1982
During 1982, a service to Perth and Sydney commenced; it was run in cooperation with Qantas and flown with Qantas Boeing 747SP aircraft. In May that year, the Government directed Air Zimbabwe and the national freighter airline Affretair to merge their operations. The freighter company was eventually taken over by Air Zimbabwe in July 1983. The cargo carrier continued its operations under the Affretair brand. During 1983, Air Zimbabwe became a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) It also extended its regional routes to Gaborone, Lilongwe, Lusaka and Nairobi.
1985
By March 1985, Air Zimbabwe had 1,443 employees and the fleet comprised five Boeing 707-320Bs and seven Viscount 700s. At this time, the airline flew domestic services linking Harare with Buffalo Range, Bulawayo, Gweru, Hwange National Park, Kariba, Masvingo and Victoria Falls, regional services to Blantyre, Durban,Gaborone, Johannesburg,Lusaka and Nairobi, and intercontinental flights to Athens, Frankfurt and London. The Harare–Perth–Sydney route offered using Qantas Boeing 747SP aircraft was flown in association with Air Zimbabwe.
Boeing 737-200 OY-APC prior delivery at Copenhagen Int airport, Denmark 1995
Photo: Peter Schmidt
The airline decided in 1985 to renew the fleet and replace the ageing Boeing 720 aircraft by ordering three factory-new Boeing 737-200 and meanwhile waiting for the new aircraft to arrive, Air Zimbabwe leased a Boeing 737-200 Z-NIL (OY-APS) on a short-term contract from Maersk Air, Denmark
1986
In 1986 and the first of three owned Boeing 737-200s Z-WKA was phased in and put into service in December that year. The leased Boeing 737-200 was returned to the lessor when the contract expired. The second Z-WKB and third aircraft Z-WKS of the type were delivered in June and July 1987. The additional capacity permitted route extensions to Dar es Salaam, Manzini, Maputo and Mauritius.
Here comes Air Zimbabwe´s first Boeing 737-200/ADV, Z-WPA, c/n 23677.
Photo: Hannes Meyer
1987
British Aerospace BAE-146 Z-WPD at Harare Int airport 1988, Zimbabwe
Photo:
A BAe 146-200 was bought in 1987 for domestic routes. Also in 1987, the airline announced its intentions to acquire Ilyushin Il-62s and -86s and Yakovlev Yak-42s instead of Western-built aircraft. These plans never materialized and Air Zimbabwe placed an order for two Boeing 767-200s. With registration Z-WPE and named "Victoria Falls", the first Boeing 767-200ER entered the fleet in November 1989.
1989
Boeing 767-20N/ER, Z-WPE msn 24713
Photo:
The Boeing 707 was retired from serving long-haul routes shortly afterwards These aircraft were still used to cover regional routes. The Viscount was definitely withdrawn from service in November 1989.
1990
Boeing 767-20N/ER, Z-WPF msn 24867
Photo: HS-TCJ
The airline phased in the second 767-200ER (Z-WPF, named "Chimanimani") in late 1990. Two Fokker 50s were ordered in April 1995; they were delivered a month later.
Destination map from when the clouds of unrest were far away
The first Boeing 767_300 Z-WPF in the new livery 1990.
Photo: Björn Düwel
1995
Fokker 50, Z-WPG, c/n 20104
Two Fokker 50s, Z-WPG and Z-WPH were delivered in early 1995 on a 10-years intended lease, but unfortunately these aircraft were incapable of serving the "hot and high-destinations" with adequate payloads and were returned to the lessor.
1999
Boeing 737-200 Z-WPA returning from Uganda Airlines 1999 after it had been leased for five years.
Photo:Thomas Ingendom
2001
Air Zimbabwe Boeing 737-200, Z-WPB and Z-WPC at Vic Falls Int. airport Zimbabwe 2001
Photo: Eduardo Paz
2004
Financial turmoil and service disruption 2004
In February 2004, it was revealed that the company had been temporarily suspended by the IATA over unpaid debts.
Transportation China has been involved in all aspects of public transportation in Zimbabwe: road, rail and air. In 2004, Air Zimbabwe reached an agreement with the Chinese National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation for the acquisition of a long-haul plane (replacing one of their B767?).
At the same time Air Zimbabwe signed an agreement to buy two Xian MA-60 Air Zimbabwe has also benefitted from Chinese generosity through the gift of an MA60 aircraft that the airline has been using on local and regional routes. Apparently China made a ”buy two get one free deal
It was noted at the time that this was aimed at assisting tourism in Zimbabwe. Although there were initial reports of technical difficulties, these were largely unfounded.
2005
Xian MA60 Z-WPK at Vic Falls Int. airport Zimbabwe
Photo:
Air Zimbabwe, took delivery of two Chinese aircraft, Z-WPJ in August Z-WPK on 27th May, Z-WPJ on 24th August and Z-WPL on 23rd December.
Xian MA60 Z-WPK msn 0303 at Harare Int. airport Zimbabwe 2015.
Photo:African Airliners archive
2006
In October 2006, the prices of Air Zimbabwe tickets increased up to 500%, partly due to the inflation in the country rising to over 1,000% at that time the Zimbabwean Central Bank stated that it could not continue supporting Air Zimbabwe and other money-losing state companies and partly because the airline was in need of foreign currency to pay for fuel, spare parts, and catering. A foreign exchange crisis in the country led to the cancellation of the carrier's operations in late 2005, following the lack of hard currency to pay for the fuel. In 2006, it was disclosed that passenger numbers had fallen from 1 million in 1999 to 23,000 in 2005.
Xian MA60 Z-WPL parked for service at Johannesburg Int.airport, SA 2006.
Photo: Ray Barber
Due to lack of spareparts at the homebase, the Xian MA-60 Z-WPL was flewn to Johannesburg for service in September and returned for operations a month later.
2009
Xian MA60 2009
Photo: African Airliners archive
On 11th March 2009, Harare Int. airport. During the takeoff in night-conditions the Xian MA60 Z-WPJ hit warthogs the on runway and the left main gear collapsed. The plane skidded on runway and veered off. All passengers ceased but the aircraft got extensiv body-damage. The aircraft was extensiv damage to the aircraft. The plane was withdrawn from use (WFU)at Harare Int airport.
2010
Air Quarius or Foster Aero Int Fokker F28 ZS-DRF msn 11239 at Lanseria 2010, SA
Photo: A J Best
This is interesting a Fokker F28-4000 ZS-DRF in Air Zimbabwe titles that has been seen for some weeks in September 2010 at Lanseria (homebase) and at Jo-burg. It must have been a kind of atempt - a proposal, leased it to AirZim 2010 for awhile or what?
2011
In February 2011, the airline had to cancel all flights to Johannesburg due to unpaid debts to creditors at the airport. Regional and domestic services were suspended for a short period in May, following both the grounding of its Boeing 737-200 fleet by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) over maintenance concerns.
Boeing 767-200 Z-WKF was the only of the two B767s in this nice livery. Photo:African Airliners archive
Operations resumed in late May 2011 but in late June 2011, Air Zimbabwe was forced to return the leased Boeing 737-500 from Zambezi Airlines as it was unable to afford the leasing costs. The plane was leased to compensate the lack of equipment following the grounding of its Boeing 737-200 fleet. The aircraft was mainly used to operate the Harare–Johannesburg route. It was disclosed the company had to fly the route using one of their Boeing 767s.
Z-WPA is still flying!
Photo: Sam Chui
Informed sources told reporters that Air Zimbabwe’s long haul aircraft, a Boeing 767-200 known as Victoria Falls, was seized by American General Supplies upon landing at London’s Gatwick International Airport on Monday morning from Harare International Airport.
American General Suppliers secured a court injunction in the US that gave them the power to impound the aircraft over US$ 1, 2 million debts.
Photo:African Airliners Archive
In mid-June 2011, flights to London and South Africa were temporarily suspended because of a due debt with fuel suppliers. Owing both to the grounding of the 737-200 fleet and to fuel shortages in the country, domestic services were suspended and regional flights were operated on an irregular basis. The airline started regularizing medium- and short-haul operations in July, as it got clearance from the CAAZ to op-
erate one of its three grounded 737-200, the Z-WPA.
Operations were discontinued again in late July 2011, this time due to a pilots' strike, resuming in mid-September after a 50-day-long strike. Once again, overseas and domestic flights were temporarily stopped in early November 2011, this time owing to an unpaid debt with fuel providers Overseas routes resumed on 11 November. However, flights to the United Kingdom and South Africa were suspended in January 2012 over likely impoundments of the airline's aircraft for outstanding debts.
IATA
In May 2011, the airline was suspended from IATA's international financial and booking system over unpaid booking fees. It was announced in early November 2011 that the government would absorb a US$140 million debt in order to make the company more attractive to foreign investors. Already in December 2011, the carrier struggled to provide its regional and overseas services amid aircraft impoundments over unpaid debts.
Despite versions for the acquisition of new aircraft were officially declined in July 2011 owing to a precarious cash position. It was disclosed that the airline bought an Airbus A340-500 and an Airbus A320, both new, in August 2011. As of January 2012, there had been discrepant versions over the acquisition of the new Airbus aircraft, since the secretary of the Zimbabwean Ministry of Transport has denied the transaction.
2012
In January 2012, the airline came under judicial management. Following a failed revival attempt, in which the pilots refused to resume domestic services over US$35 million in unpaid salaries and allowances, it was announced on 24 February 2012 that Air Zimbabwe would be grounded indefinitely. The Xian MA60 Z-WPL aircraft that had been flewn to Johannesburg in July 2006 has returned to Harare for storage and is presumed for sale
Air Zimbabwe Private LTD
In March of the same year, the government of Zimbabwe established Air Zimbabwe Private Limited as the new owner of the carrier after disbanding the airline's former parastatal owner Air Zimbabwe Holdings and absorbing a US$150 million debt. The airline resumed flying on a continuous basis in early May 2012, yet using a singel Boeing 737-200 aircraft and serving only three domestic destinations: Bulawayo, Harare and Victoria Falls and only for a short period of time until the grounding of the aircraft on 2 July 2012.
The airline was reactivated in late November 2012, with a reduced flight scheme serving the Harare–Johannesburg route. Reports indicated the carrier resumed domestic operations connecting Bulawayo, Harare and Victoria Falls, as well as the regional route to Johannesburg, on a daily basis service with the aged Boeing 737-200.
Air Zimbabwe was under pressure to renew and expand its fleet in the face of growing competition. The airline had to lease aircraft on short term grounds to service some of its routes from time to time. To boost the airline´s only Boeing 737-200 that had resumed operation last July 2012, the government was forced to find a lessor which had an aircraft suitable for Air Zimbabwe.
Air Zimbabwe was at this time offered to dry lease two Airbuses A320-214 to a cost of US$ 200.000 each from the aviation broker China Sonangol International (the same company that had caused problem for AirTanzania) with disputed leasing contract of an Airbus A320) through Isle of Man brokers SouthJet. This contract was probably not sanctioned by government, but only signed by the airline's representatives.
Airbus A320-214 Z-WPN msn 630 at Harare Int airport January 2013, Zimbabwe.
Photo: HarareAirportBlogger
The Airbus A320 Z-WPM ( msn 630) (the former Air Tanzania 5H-MWH) and the second Airbus A320 Z-WPN (msn 1973) were part of a 2012 deal between China Sonangol International (Hong Kong Int'l) and the then Mugabe regime to help revive the debt-ridden state-owned airline. The deal was structured via a pair of IOM-based SPVs, SouthJet. The first dry leased Airbus A320-214 Z-WPM entered immediately the important service to Johannesburg, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls routes.
2013
Airbus A320-214 Z-WPN msn 630 at Harare Int airport July2013 ,Zimbabwe.
Photo:
The second Airbus A320-214 Z-WPN was operating only a short time for Air Zimbabwe but due to a heavy landing at O.R Tambo International Johannesburg the landing gear was damaged. After a thorough investigation, it was found that the aircraft had several serious technical defects in the aircraft frame in addition to the damaged landing gear but sources in the aviation industry said that Air Zimbabwe took the plane to SAA because it did not have technicians trained to service the Airbus.
The Airbus A320-214 Z-WPN at the workshop for undergoing investigation of the landing-gear.
The aircraft was towed to a parking place and it never came in service due to lack of funds to repair it. The aircraft was then stored stored at Johannesburg Int airport, South Africa and was written off in January 2018,
Embraer ERJ145 ZS-BBH at Harare Int airport, 2014, Zimbabwe
In 28 March, Air Zimbabwe decided to wet-lease a fifty seater Embraer E145 jet for an initial period of six month to cover up their aged Boeing 737-200 which was undergoing heavy maintenance. The Embraer145 was leased from Solenta SA in South Africa to operate the important Harare Bulawayo-Vic Fall-Harare route.
Soon a new scandal hit the Zimbabwean national, when it occurred that the wet-leased ERJ-145 from Solenta, SA was leased for an initial period of six months but had now expired, but Air Zimbabwe continued to operate the aircraft until June 2014. According to carrier, the decision to enter into an agreement with Solenta was made on the basis that it was more economical to operate an ERJ-145 jet on domestic flights primarily instead to operate their much bigger Boeing 767-200 which was costly to run service with a low cabin factor.
The government was probing Air Zimbabwe's leasing deal of a the Embraer 50-seat plane, amid fears the embattled airline has lost millions of dollars through a huge fixed monthly rental of $204 000 for the jet. Sources said that the airline tried in vain to lease directly the planes from their manufacturers because of sanctions against the country. Other sources said the similar jet could be hired for between US$80 000 and $120 000 monthly.
For this tender deal Air Zimbabwe had to paid over $3 million and is still now owing aboutUS $ 800 000, which adds up to about US $4 million. That is enough to cover a quarter of the price of a "new Embraer". The cancellation of the lease with Solenta whose managing director is from Zimbabwe - hit Air Zimbabwe hard and forced the struggling airline to dramatically increase its fares because of using their bigger aircraft, the Boeing 767 and 737, which was more expensive to run and maintain. They also guzzled fuel.
Approximately 600 employees out of more than 1,000 had been laid off by late May 2013 as part of cost-cutting measures aimed at recapitalising the airline.The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority revealed in June 2013 that the airline's market share suffered a steep decrease in the year ending 31 December 2012, with a 0.8% participation in this period down from 27% in the same period of 2009.
2014
Big African AirShow held in Harare at Charles Prince Airport
Stunning -Captain Joe Mpauri flys Air Zimbabwe B737-200 Z-WKB "Great Zimbabwe" just 10 feet over the ground,
2016
In 2016, ministers secretly created a debt-free new national airline – Zimbabwe Airways – in the hope that it would be capacitated with airplanes and eventually rise from Air Zimbabwe’s ashes. The new airline collapsed after the plan was exposed, leaving Air Zimbabwe to take over negotiations to acquire two Boeing 777 aircraft from Malaysia and an Embraer ERJ 145 from the United States.
2017
Air Zimbabwe had to lease on short contracts i.e Boeing 737s from Starair Cargo (here seen ai.e Boeing 737-500 ZS-SPU) when their own aircraft are grounded.
After takeoff from Bulawayo Int. airport the Xian MA60 Z-WPK lost the preassure and the gasmasks were released. The plane returned to Bulawayo and all survived. The plane was later flewn to Harare Int. airport and it is reported that the aircraft is for sale. In early 2017 Air Zimbabwe forced to hire planes to serve its routes as foreign currency shortages are delaying the acquisition of spare parts for its grounded fleet. This has resulted in long flight delays and cancellations in the past week.
2018
Punctually at 12.30 on January 20, Z-RGM landed at Harare International Airport the ex Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777-200 in the livery of "Zimbabwe Airways" now registered Z-RGM (as an honoar to the President Robert Gabriel Mugabe) at Harare in the livery of "Zimbabwe Airways". The second B777 aircraft remained stored in Kuala Lumpur, presumably awaiting delivery to Harare.
Since the airline could not secure its AOC for operating the aircraft was parked at Harare International airport and never came in service. Then the B777 was shipped back to Malaysia and stored there in Zimbabwe Airways delivery.
On 8 June 2018, it was reported that Air Zimbabwe has debts of more than $300 million and can no longer fly to most destinations due to threats by debtors to impound its Aircraft. With mounting debt and only three of its aircraft operational, the airline was put under administration on 6 October 2018.
In November an unnamed official from the Ministry of Transport confirmed to "ZimLive" that: "The original plan was to buy four of the seven retired aircraft, but that Air Zimbabwe had so far managed to pay for two fully of them and that the third should be secured but apparently, the third aircraft was not secured and on December 10, Malaysia Airlines delivered it to Wilmington Trust Company (U.S.). The Malaysians sold off the fourth after payment dragged on".
Despite the current flight ban in Europe, Air Zimbabwe continued to operate flights to Bulawayo, Victoria falls, Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam with their remaining aging aircraft, a Boeing B737-200 and a Boeing B767-200. At the end of the year, the Boeing 737-200 was taken out of service for heavy duty services.
2019
In July 2019, Air Zimbabwe came under fire when news emerged that the financially struggling airline is “missing” three aircraft, were “stolen” or “lost”.
The rumour emerged after the Auditor-General of Zimbabwe issued a disclaimer of opinion on June 20, 2019. In it, the auditor outlines that in 2011-2014 the airline operated three MA60 aircraft, but none of them were accounted for in the company’s financial statements. There were no documents or agreements regarding if the aircraft were sold or leased.
In response to the backlash, one of the airline’s spokesperson told the local media that Air Zimbabwe did not purchase the three MA60s but continued - “For state enterprises, government comes in from time to time to offer shareholder support”. Thus, it is the government that should have the missing documents. Meanwhile, the aircraft are not missing and “anyone is free to come and see them”.
This statement from the airline's spokesman is contradictory with reference to the 2004 agreement between the Chinese National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation and Air Zimbabwe that the airline buys two MA-60s and then receives as an generous gift from the seller another aircraft.
A late shot from Google Earth shows "dusty" aircraft parked in the backyard closed to the maintenance area.
Air Zimbabwe still has a serious shortage of aircraft amid indications that it only has two servicable planes, resulting in chrippling flights, cancellation that have dented the company´s integrity among travelers.
The biggest obstacle at Air Zimbabwe is lack an aircraft fleet that is capable of meeting the market demand.
AZ has also had to lay off pilots and flight attendants to cut staff costs as they only have two aircraft in service.
Government seeks bidders for Air Zimbabwe privatization
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The government invited in November investors to bid for the struggling national airline, Air Zimbabwe which went into administration in October this year.
Air Zimbabwe owes local and international creditors more than $300 million with the obligation forcing the airline to abandon lucrative routes such as Harare-London after its aircraft was seized some years back.
Air Zimbabwe has seen its fleet deplete over the years to just three functional planes, with strikes by pilots and the flight of experienced staff worsening the airline’s problems.
It turned out that the tender documents were under all criticism.
An inquiry document must contain a description that clearly shows what the client wants to have carried out.
The measures must be described in text with regulations such as ex. which form of procurement applies, the form and validity of the tender, which evaluation basis applies, etc. This part is usually included first in the request documents.
No airline asked to get the documents out to count on. As no tenders were received, Air Zimbabwe was forced to find other solutions.
The rot at the flag carrier has been blamed on general mismanagement as well as political meddling by government officials.
2019
The government realized the failure to start a new airline and instead trying to save the cash-strapped Air Zimbabwe.
The new government realized that there was needed to discuss a reversing plan. In addition, they vouched for the fact that "the government owned" according to the agreement four ex Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777-200s.
The Transport Minister Jorum Gumbo has proposed to his cabinet colleagues an urgent rescue plan for Air Zimbabwe using the upbeat theme that “Zimbabwe is open for business”. Gumbo said “There are plans to revive Air Zimbabwe and these will be made public in due course. As for now the plan is under discussion”.
The Air Zimbabwe rescue plan included the Finance Ministry clearing the airlines historic debts of US$330 million and finalize the disputed prior agreement with Malaysian Airlines
The government negotiated the release of the first of two B777s for the flag carrier Air Zimbabwe witch was under reconstruction. The carrier could have taken the delivery of the planes earlier if the deal not had been choked by administrative challenges.
A team was sent to Malaysia headed by the permanent secretary to finalize the Boeing 777 and Embraer agreement. In a purchase agreement between Malaysia Airlines and the Zimbabwean government for the two Boeing 777-200s, an audit performed in July 2019 found that approximately $51 million dollars was paid in unapproved transactions.
However, the national carrier hoped to leave behind the notoriety of its legacy issues and reinvent its domestic and regional flag carrier operations. It also aims to form strategic partnerships to benefit its connectivity as an airline as well as its training and maintenance services.
At the same time Air Zimbabwe served its entire network by the Boeing 767-200, Z-WPF and the Boeing 737-200, Z-WPA. The other Boeing 767-200 was undergoing a C-check. The A320 and two Boeing 737 were all stored at their home base at Harare International airport.
In a statement Air Zimbabwe confirmed that it would shortly take delivery of two B777s from Malaysian Airlines to solve it constrains which had seen multiple flights cancelled and hundred of passengers left behind.
The first of the two ex Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777-200 landed on 20th January 2018
on Harare International Airport in the livery of Zimbabwe Airways.
Photo:
Zimbabwe's state-owned airline, Air Zimbabwe, took on Monday delivery of one of the two Boeing 777-200 aircraft bought by government from Malaysia as part of efforts to revive its struggling national carrier.
With the new aircraft Air Zimbabwe should resume international flights to such destinations as the United Kingdom and China which were stopped several years ago due to operational and viability challenges.
The troubled airline was at the time operating with a severely reduced fleet which is old and expensive to run and plying only regional routes. The carrier had seen its route network shrink to less than 10 from around 20 in the 1990s.
Speaking after receiving the aircraft, Chiwenga said the purchase of the long-haul plane showed government's commitment to reviving the troubled airline.
"Receipt of this B-777 aircraft is a clear testimony that we are taking concrete steps to capacitate our national airline so that it plays its role in promoting economic growth, creating jobs and facilitating international trade and tourism," he said.
20 april 2020
After 3 months in maintenance on the ground On 20 april the first Air Zimbabwe Boeing 777-200 Z-RGM was flewn from Harare, Zimbabwe to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Boeing 777 had been delivered to Zimbabwe Airways in May 2018 but since then it had been stored in Kuala Lumpur, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Malaysia until January 2020 until it was delivered to Harare..
According to Air Zimbabwe, the aircraft flew to Ethiopia for mandatory periodic maintenance which could not be carried out in Harare, due to the lack of availability of special maintenance equipment.
The two aircraft, registered Z-NBE (MSN 28422) and Z-RGM (MSN 28421), entered storage in October 2020 and are currently parked at Harare International Airport in Harare, Zimbabwe.
On 1 July 2020 BULAWAYO the Air Zimbabwe Boeing 767 Z-WPF UM462 declared an emergency 40 minutes after take-off from Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday following a left engine technical fault. The aircraft landed safely back in Bangkok with its 17 crew and two passengers.
The 29-year-old Boeing 767-200 ER developed an “abnormal engine parameter which necessitated a precautionary left engine shut down in accordance with established standard operating procedures.
The aircraft was running a special repatriation service for South African and Zimbabwean citizens stranded in Asia following the global Covid-19 pandemic.
The plane, with registration Z-WPF, was due to pick up 180 South Africans and Zimbabweans who have been holed-up in Islamabad since the virus grounded most international airlines.
Air Zimbabwe on 16 the September announced that it was resuming flight operations on its domestic and regional routes with effect from Sept.23 and Oct. 3 respectively, as nations open up the skies for domestic and international travel.
The airline had suspended all flights late March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, except a few international ones to repatriate Zimbabweans and other nationals who had been stranded abroad.
After more than two years in storage Air Zimbabwe Embraer ER145, Z-WPQ has been painted in the carriers livery.
Photo:
At last Air Zimbabwe’s Embraer ERJ145 finally completed its first commercial flight on Wednesday – more than two years after it was delivered to Harare.
The aircraft, with a capacity of 50 passengers and a range of up to 2,873km – was acquired by the ill-fated Zimbabwe Airways which the government hoped would rise from the ruins of the debt-ridden Air Zimbabwe – complicating procedures for securing a clearance for it to fly.
Air Zimbabwe will use the Embraer for domestic flights, freeing up its workhorse Boeing 737 for regional flights to Johannesburg and Tanzania. The airline also has an ageing Boeing 767 for overseas flights, but it currently has no routes.
2021
Air Zimbabwe has been operating domestic routes, albeit on a reduced schedule, while monitoring the trajectory of the second wave of the pandemic.
The airline now intends to rebuild its regional operations during its first half of 2021, as it plans to introduce twice daily services to Johannesburg, South Africa from Harare, Zimbabwe followed by destinations to Bulawayo, Congo and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Destinations are expected to be served by Embraer ERJ145s.
The first deployment of an ERJ145 (Z-WPQ) with Air Zimbabwe was marked with delays, while the second ERJ145 is to be acquired within the first half of 2021.
Air Zimbabwe stated that the focus in 2021 is fleet augmentation, route expansion and service delivery. While there have been delays in the deployment into service of the ERJ145 (Z-WPQ) t
it expected that the aircraft to be serviceable by the end of January 2021. The carrier also was in a new process to acquire second ERJ145 for deployment into service in the first half of 2021-
2024
The arrival of the second regional jet marked a significant milestone for Air Zimbabwe, which had not taken delivery of an aircraft in over two years.
Air Zimbabwe now has a fleet of four aircraft in service: One B767 undergoing maintenance, one B737-200 and two Embraer ERJ145.
At the moment the carrier has one Airbus A320-200, two Boeing 737-200, one B767-200ER and one XIA MA60 in storage.
The cash strapped Air Zimbabwe were forced to ground its long-haul planes, which are more expensive to maintain, after discontinuing its London and Shanghai flights.
In order to save the airline from a total bankruptcy, Air Zimbabwe has leased out one of its two long haul Boeing 767 aircraft to Mont Gabaon Airlines of the Democratic Republic Congo. The aircraft is on a long lease to Mont Gabaon Airlines.”
The aircraft, which had been parked in Harare for two years, flew to the DRC second city of Goma on May 4 where it was repainted.
While the Boeing 720 of yesteryears was a testament to the technological advancements and ambitions of the time, today’s Embraer jet underscores a scaled-down approach aimed at maintaining operational efficiency amidst financial struggles
The modern photograph shows an Air Zimbabwe Embraer ERJ-145 jet, a far cry from the larger fleets of the past. Over the years, the airline’s fleet has significantly diminished, and with it, the scope of its routes.
Despite these setbacks, Air Zimbabwe continues to play a symbolic role in the nation’s identity by using an Embraer 145 and an elderly Boeing 737-200 carrying the colors of the Zimbabwean flag and serving as a reminder of the country’s aviation heritage.
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The aircraft Xian MA60 9U-BHU, that never flew in Air Burundi skies.