There are many airlines that operate on the fringes. But there is one that warrants a place of its own; Air Zimbabwe. Let’s take a look at what we have here as of 2Q16. The airline is small and has a history of financial trouble.
There is now, apparently, a task underway at the airline to update its long haul fleet. The talk is of leasing a 787 from Malaysia. To our knowledge, there are no Malaysian 787s. As the table shows the 787s based in Asia are quite busy doing business.
The story gets funnier. The airline has to avoid European destinations because of outstanding debts. Previously this caused an aircraft seizure in London, forcing it to stop flying to Britain. The airline may owe Heathrow $3m in unpaid fees. The London market is by far the most attractive financially and the most important.
President Mugabe’s son-in-law, Simbarashe Chikore, is now the airline’s chief operating officer. Mr Chikore has an interesting business and aviation background. Reaction to this appointment was not well received.
This 787 acquisition should be fun for aviation buffs everywhere.
Co-Founder AirInsight. My previous life includes stints at Shell South Africa, CIC Research, and PA Consulting. Got bitten by the aviation bug and ended up an Avgeek. Then the data bug got me, making me a curious Avgeek seeking data-driven logic. Also, I appreciate conversations with smart people from whom I learn so much. Summary: I am very fortunate to work with and converse with great people.
