Aviation experts say Air Zimbabwe has moved in the right direction in securing use of a new Boeing 737-500 from Zambian-based Air Zambezi to update its aging fleet.
South African-based aviation expert Guy Leitch said indications are the plane has been secured on a long lease agreement with cabin crew, pilots and other staff. The state-owned carrier has been virtually crippled by a strike by pilots, engineers and cabin crew.
The striking pilots recently complained to Parliament they are flying outdated planes.
Leitch said that while the new model is more commercially viable, Air Zimbabwe management must put its house in order to achieve profitability.
“While it is commendable that the airline has secured a new plane, it should also address management problems that have led to the current strike," Leitch said.