The Sunday Mail
CABINET has directed the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development to find a technical partner to revamp the struggling Air Zimbabwe within a month.
Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu said the Cabinet directive was meant to stir revival of the ailing airline.
Air Zimbabwe has for long been dogged by viability challenges which at times left travelers stranded.
“As part of our efforts to improve and recapitalise the National Airline, Cabinet at its meeting on the 10th of March 2015, made the resolution for the turnaround strategy of the National Airline.
“Cabinet directed that as part of the turnaround of Air Zimbabwe, a technical partner that as part of the turnaround of Air Zimbabwe, a technical partner is necessary going forward. This is subsequent to the viability challenges the airline is facing in view of growing competition in the industry and aging equipment.
“A timeframe of one month was given for the Ministry to compile a list of possible technical partners and the criteria for engagement of same,” said Dr Mpofu, in a statement.
The decision, he said, will attract fresh capital and improve the national airliner’s competitiveness.
At its peak, Air Zimbabwe employed over 1 000 workers manning its huge network serving destinations such as Kenya, Tanzania, Singapore, China and United Kingdom.
The airline has been embroiled in a multi-million dollar insurance scam involving top management who have since appeared in court for allegedly defrauding the company.
