Air Zimbabwe’s once soaring birds face final farewell in fire sale

Air Zimbabwe, a former jewel of African aviation, is selling off two of its iconic Boeing 737-200s, stark symbols of the carrier’s fall from grace.

These partially dismantled aircraft, essentially “shells on wheels” with no engines, will be auctioned via tender, marking a sad chapter for a once vibrant airline.

The two Boeing 737-200s, christened with such pride in 1987, are now deemed uneconomical burdens at 37 years old.

The fire sale of Air Zimbabwe reflects the harsh reality the airline faces coupled by a crippling US$407 million debt, allegedly caused by mismanagement and corruption.

The airline has lost its grip on both domestic and regional routes, its once-proud network now a shadow of its former self. While a recent acquisition of a 50-seater Embraer ERJ 145 and a refurbished Boeing 737 offers a glimmer of hope, it is seemingly far from enough.

Many argue that Air Zimbabwe desperately needs a complete overhaul.

In 2022, Air Zimbabwe was banned from flying in European Union airspace because they did not meet international aviation safety standards.

Experts have been pointing to the need for a multi-pronged approach aimed at addressing the massive debt and implementing transparent management practices to prevent future financial mismanagement.

Air Zimbabwe has also been urged to invest in a modern fleet that is fuel-efficient and allows them to compete effectively on regional and potentially even international routes, like their proposed return to London.

Former Mt Pleasant legislator Fadzayi Mahere raised concerns about the future of Air Zimbabwe.

She asked: “Did you know? Air Zimbabwe was banned from flying in European airspace because it does not meet international safety standards. Can the Minister of Transport, if he exists, please explain why the national airline does not meet international safety standards?

“How can it be business as usual in the Ministry of Transport when the country’s national airline is condemned internationally? What steps have been taken to address this? Or is it just vibes?”