Troubled national airline, Air Zimbabwe, is set to resume domestic flights next week.
The airline suspended its domestic flights in January this year after an aircraft servicing domestic routes developed mechanical faults.
Acting chief executive officer, Innocent Mavhunga told NewsDay yesterday, Air Zimbabwe will begin by offering limited service.
“Yes, we are resuming our domestic flights and we will be flying on February 20,” said Mavhunga.
“We will be begin four times a week flights to Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. We will gradually increase flights as the market picks up.”
The airline is saddled with an estimated debt of $149 million.
Foreign creditors are owed about $30 million, and the rest is owed to local entities.
Transport and Communications minister Nicholas Goche last week told NewsDay’s sister paper, Zimbabwe Independent, the airline had been operating on a deficit since 1994, but the inception of the multi-currency system worsened the situation.
This, he said, had resulted in frequent strikes, grounding of operations, non-replacement of equipment, huge debts, suspension from International Aviation Transport Association, lease withdrawals and contract cancellations, among other problems.
