Air Zimbabwe leases aircraft from Zambia for its domestic and regional routes.

Zimbabwe - Air Zimbabwe said Tuesday it had leased aircraft and flight crews from Zambia after reaching a deadlock with its striking pilots and cabin crews. Zimbabwe's airline's pilots and flight attendants went on strike over three weeks ago, demanding payment of overdue salaries and allowances amounting to US$ 12 million. Despite the strike being ruled illegal by the courts, the striking workers have refused to go back to work, insisting on payment of their salaries and allowances. Air Zimbabwe, which is saddled with huge debts of more than US$ 100 million, has said it was unable to settle the salary arrears and appealed to the workers to go back to work to save the airline from imminent collapse.

Airline chairman, Jonathan Kadzura, said Air Zimbabwe had leased aircraft and cabin crews from Zambezi Airlines of Zambia to service domestic and regional routes as a stop-gap measure.

He said domestic routes to be covered were from the capital, Harare, to the second city of Bulawayo and the country's tourism hub, the Victoria Falls.

Among the regional routes would be South Africa and DR Congo, as international routes to London and Beijing, among others, remain unserviced.

Air Zimbabwe Pilots call off strike for Bob!

President Robert Mugabe together with his massive delegation and elaborate security has caused a stir at a luxury hotel in Zambia.
Zimbabwe's octogenarian leader, who was visibly not feeling well, jetted into Livingstone, Zambia, this week on a Zimbabwe plane accompanied by heavy security, ministers and plenty of aides - despite Air Zimbabwe pilots being on strike. Officials, however, said pilots were "required to temporarily call off the strike" if Mugabe wants to travel.
He was attending the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit.
On arrival at the Zambezi Sun Hotel, Mugabe was surrounded by more than 60 people. More than 40 of them arrived on the same plane as Mugabe while about 15 had come as an advanced delegation. Curious Zambians and tourists stared in awe.
The situation was worsened by members of the Zambian protocol and government officials, who had come to welcome the 87-year-old leader.
The veteran Zimbabwe leader, who appeared to struggle while walking, slowly made his way to a golf cart which took him to his executive suite.
Tourists, guests and SADC officials watched as Mugabe was driven to his room surrounded by bodyguards and officials on foot. It was difficult for photographers to get a good picture of Mugabe. Another cart with more bodyguards and protocol officials followed behind.
Even when he left the hotel for lunch, Mugabe used the golf cart to get to his vehicle.
South African President Jacob Zuma had less than 12 people around him and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai six.