Zimbabweans are expressing mixed emotions after the national airline Air Zimbabwe bought a new plane.
Air Zimbabwe took delivery of the new plane earlier this morning. The carrier unveiled the new Embraer ERJ-145 at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
Air Zimbabwe had a fleet size of six aircraft, but only one of them was in service. The rest are parked or grounded due to financial difficulties, maintenance issues, or legal disputes.
The national airline used to operate a network within southern Africa, as well as Asia and London, but has reduced its destinations to only 5 domestic and regional routes. Air Zimbabwe has a history of operating various aircraft types, such as Boeing 707, Boeing 737, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, Airbus A320, Embraer ERJ-145, and Fokker 501. The flag carrier has faced several challenges and controversies, such as debt, mismanagement, corruption, safety concerns, and sanctions.
Today, Air Zimbabwe took delivery of its Embraer ERJ 145. The plane touched down at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport to much pomp and fanfare. The Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, received and unveiled the jet on the tarmac.
Speaking just after unveiling the plane, Minister Mhona said:
“The coming in of the Embraer ERJ145 will unlock value for the hospitality industry, cause downstream growth in the national aviation sector and reaffirm President Mnangagwa’s Vision of an Upper-Middle-Income economy by 2030. The growth of Air Zimbabwe facilitates the opening and connection to markets. It also facilitates trade and enables industries to link into global supply chains.”
Zimbos Speak
Social media users had mixed sentiments after Air Zimbabwe bought a new plane.
Nicho:
“It will disappear like buses.”
Champion:
“Hezvo. Is this a state-owned jet or a private leased to the state? Aya ndo mahumbwe chaiwo. Hakuna nyika yakadai.”
Tony:
“The usual will happen; they will not be maintained, and within a year or two, they will be put on the scrap heap.”
John:
“Perfect size for Air Zim domestic and regional routes.”
Source iHarare
