Air Zimbabwe received a new Boeing 777-200 plane purchased by the government to kick-start the carrier’s revival.
The plane that landed in Harare on Monday is one of two Boeing 777-200 aircrafts that the government hopes will put its aviation industry on the path to prosperity.
The plane was received at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
Air Zimbabwe now expects to resume international flights to destinations such as Europe, China and the U.S.
The airline is currently plying domestic and regional routes, and has seen its route network shrink to less than 10 from around 20 in the 1990s.
Speaking after receiving the aircraft, Chiwenga said the purchase of the long-haul plane showed government’s commitment to reviving the troubled airline.
“Receipt of this B-777 aircraft is a clear testimony that we are taking concrete steps to capacitate our national airline so that it plays its role in promoting economic growth, creating jobs and facilitating international trade and tourism,” he said.
Air Zimbabwe becomes the latest African airline to embark on a revival drive. Other carriers that are in the process of reviving their operations include Ghana Airways, Air Senegal, Air Tanzania and Air Uganda.
