AIRZIM PUTS PLANES ON THE MARKET

NATIONAL carrier, Air Zimbabwe, is set to dispose of two aircraft as part of a broader turnaround strategy aimed at modernising operations, raising working capital and restoring its competitiveness on regional and domestic routes.

Earmarked for sale are two Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, which are parked at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare.

The sale, published in the Government Gazette on Friday, is intended to help streamline the company’s fleet and raise funds for strategic reforms.

“Air Zimbabwe is inviting international reputable and eligible bidders registered with the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) for the following requirements . . . Disposal of 2 x B777-200ER aircraft in an ‘as is’ condition at RGM International Airport, Harare, Zimbabwe.”

Interested bidders have been asked to submit proposals through the PRAZ electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system before the closing date of July 25, 2025.

In an interview yesterday, Air Zimbabwe chief executive officer Mr Edmund Makona said the sale of the aircraft was aligned with the airline’s comprehensive turnaround strategy.

“We have adopted a four-pillar strategy focusing on corporate governance; air transportation services; human capital development; and aircraft maintenance and engineering,” said Mr Makona.

“A successful strategy must prioritise growth, and for us, that means expanding our route network.

“So the sale of the two aircraft is meant to achieve our turnaround strategy, which is also anchored on the desire to modernise our airline consistent with the National Development Strategy.”

He said the airline has already reintroduced most of its regional routes and increased flight frequency in response to growing market demand.

In addition, Air Zimbabwe has also re-opened its training schools, a move expected to generate revenue while also building internal capacity.

He said the commercial training school is set to reopen soon and will offer International Air Transport Association (IATA) ticketing courses locally, which previously required travel to South Africa or Kenya.

“There is also the technical training school which was closed in 2017 and is now up and running. We first took our first group of apprenticeship recently and the same school helps in recurrent training for our engineers and pilots. All this is part of our turnaround strategy,” he added.