Jetex sues Air Zimbabwe over DRC crew assistance

A local air service company, Jetex (Private) Limited, has filed a lawsuit against Air Zimbabwe, seeking US$210 000 it advanced to the national carrier to cover pilot salaries, allowances, and aircraft-related expenses after its plane was grounded in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for 17 days.

The grounding occurred in May when Air Zimbabwe's Boeing 767-200ER and its 14-member crew were stranded in Goma amid the conflict between DRC soldiers and M23 rebels. Jetex assisted in facilitating the crew's return to Zimbabwe, footing bills that Air Zimbabwe had promised to repay.

According to the summons filed in court, Jetex made payments totaling US$83 300 for crew accommodation and food, US$47 600 for daily per diems, US$34 000 for aircraft handling, logistics, and maintenance, and US$11 700 for parking fees.

In addition, Jetex advanced US$11 000 for pilot training in Brussels and US$22 400 for fuel on a separate occasion in May 2024. Despite repeated demands, Air Zimbabwe has allegedly failed to repay the amounts, prompting the company to seek legal recourse.

Jetex, a South African-registered company represented by Gumbo-Venge Law Attorneys, argues that Air Zimbabwe has no grounds to withhold repayment and is requesting that the court order the national airline to settle the debt with interest from the date of the summons, as well as cover legal costs on an attorney-client scale.

The lawsuit highlights ongoing financial and operational challenges facing Air Zimbabwe, which continues to rely on external assistance to maintain its regional and international operations.