News / National
Air Zimbabwe future uncertain, Zambezi Airline courts its pilots
24 Aug 2011 at 14:14hrs | Views
The future of Air Zimbabwe is uncertain as government has failed to bail out the national airline, Zimbabwe's Herald Online reported on Wednesday.
Airzim pilots embarked on a strike three weeks ago, demanding outstanding allowances and wages, which stretch back to June this year. Pilots at the national carrier have been on strike since July 29.
In an interview this week, Airzim board chairman Jonathan Kadzura said his team was working "flat out" to source funding.
"Government has been reluctant to come in and the airline will have to find its way. We have been trying all along and we continue to look for the money elsewhere," he said.
There are also reports that the Zambian-based regional airline, Zambezi Airlines, is courting AirZim pilots to join the group as part of its expansion drive. This move is aimed at cashing in on the crisis at ailing Air Zimbabwe.
In an advertorial flighted in a local daily newspaper yesterday, the airline said it was in need of a number of captains to join the group immediately.
Zambezi Airlines recently leased an aircraft to financially troubled Air Zimbabwe to service some of its routes when its planes were condemned by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe.
Zambezi Airlines however withdrew its services following the failure by the national airline to settle a debt estimated at over $400 000.
Airzim pilots embarked on a strike three weeks ago, demanding outstanding allowances and wages, which stretch back to June this year. Pilots at the national carrier have been on strike since July 29.
In an interview this week, Airzim board chairman Jonathan Kadzura said his team was working "flat out" to source funding.
"Government has been reluctant to come in and the airline will have to find its way. We have been trying all along and we continue to look for the money elsewhere," he said.
In an advertorial flighted in a local daily newspaper yesterday, the airline said it was in need of a number of captains to join the group immediately.
Zambezi Airlines recently leased an aircraft to financially troubled Air Zimbabwe to service some of its routes when its planes were condemned by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe.
Zambezi Airlines however withdrew its services following the failure by the national airline to settle a debt estimated at over $400 000.
Source - Sapa
