By a Correspondent
ZIMBABWE has cleared its outstanding arrears to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in a move that enhances its chances of resuming international routes.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Felix Mhona told Parliamentarians on Wednesday, said the country was keen on acquiring planes to resuscitate Air Zimbabwe.
“I am sure by the end of this month, we will be receiving an aeroplane ERJ 141, which is a 50-seater. It will be very helpful for the short routes, especially in the region,” he said.
“We would also like to resuscitate our London route because we very much want to revive our western routes in line with our re-engagement policy. The London route is a gateway to many other western countries.”
Minister Mhona said the banning of Air Zimbabwe in the United Kingdom airspace was due to IATA arrears that have since been cleared.
“It was an issue of some payment arrears to IATA, which the Government has since cleared. So, we are now connected to international communication systems and we are now able to fly to international destinations. With the limited resources that we have, it is key to resuscitate our routes to the international world.”
In October last year, Air Insight Journal quoted IATA’s vice president for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Al-Awadhi, stating that by September last year, Zimbabwe had cleared 90 percent of its estimated US$140 million arrears.
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