Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter
Air Zimbabwe is set to expand and relaunch its domestic and international routes next year, as the national airline anticipates acquiring additional aircraft.
The announcement was made at the company’s second annual general meeting (AGM), where financial reports from 2020 to 2022 were reviewed.
Key participants at the meeting included Air Zimbabwe’s chief executive officer Mr Edmund Makona, Cde Knowledge Kaitano (chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development), officials from the Ministry of Transport, representatives from the Mutapa Investment Fund, as well as Government officials and board members.
Mr Makona highlighted that the aviation sector in Zimbabwe faced significant challenges between 2020 and 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which imposed strict travel restrictions and led to a sharp decline in passenger numbers.
Many airlines, including Air Zimbabwe, encountered numerous cancellations and reduced flight schedules during this period.
Despite these challenges, Air Zimbabwe demonstrated resilience by restructuring operations and exploring cargo services to mitigate losses from passenger flights. As travel restrictions began to ease in 2022, the airline made efforts to restore both domestic and regional routes, indicating a gradual recovery.