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According to Afriquejet.com Zimbabwe’s national carrier and the operator of only direct flights to Harare – Air Zimbabwe is to buy four new planes with about US$ 500 million.
As Air Zimbabwe is the only direct flights to Harare and domestic and regional operator of flights to Bulawayo as well the wonder of the world, Victoria Falls – the airline remains in high demand for tourists as well as frequent travelers from the UK to Zimbabwe.
Afriquejet.com reports that the airline had requested US$ 500 million from the Zimbabwean Government, to buy four new planes and enhance its operations. The Government is the only and sole shareholder of Air Zimbabwe. This is possibly a result of rise in demand for flights to Zimbabwe.
Air Zimbabwe’s chairman Jonathan Kadzura has stated that the carrier wanted to buy two regional jets and two long-haul aircraft to beef up its current fleet made up of 30-year-old planes. Also, with its existing fleet Air Zimbabwe only operates one daily flight to/from London Gatwick to Harare, twice a week.
Air Zimbabwe’s chairman also stated that the existing fleet was not viable to operate in terms of fuel consumption and costly regular servicing. He added: "We have taken our request for capital to the shareholder and we are still awaiting a response. We need to get two regional planes and two long-haul planes,"
He further stated: "That could cost half a billion dollars," said Kadzura. With increase in the total fleet size, Air Zimbabwe is likely to increase its flight frequency as well as operating standards.
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