New AirZim Airbus grounded in SA

Air Zimbabwe's new Airbus A320 aircraft, which made its maiden flight to Johannesburg on Monday has been temporarily grounded in South Africa after a bird struck and cracked its windscreen.

Senior Air Zimbabwe officials confirmed the incident but could not say when the plane is expected to fly again.

Air Zimbabwe introduced the 150-seat mid-range plane on the Johannesburg route only two days ago to replace the long-range and costly Boeing 767 that was flying to South Africa daily.

Air Zimbabwe spokesperson Ms Shingai Taruvinga could not give details on the incident saying the airline's chairman Mr Ozias Bvute would issue a statement.