Air Zimbabwe is struggling to secure spare parts for its aircraft which was impounded a week ago by an American aviation firm over a US$1.5 million debt and released Wednesday after paying its creditor.
Sources said the aircraft is still stuck at Gatwick International Airport as the airline management is scrambling to raise cash to pay for spares. Suppliers of aircraft equipment have turned down requests by the Air Zimbabwe to purchase them on credit.
The sources said the aircraft will be towed to the local hanger Friday night even though spares have not been secured to fix technical problems which developed while it was still in the hands of lawyers of American General Supplies.
Air Zimbabwe management declined to comment though sources said it was unlikely that the national airline will secure spare parts on time for the aircraft to leave for Harare Saturday.
Economic commentator Bekithemba Mhlanga said even if Air Zimbabwe manages to fly the aircraft home, the company’s name has been so battered that it will fail to attract any foreign investors.
Sources said the aircraft is still stuck at Gatwick International Airport as the airline management is scrambling to raise cash to pay for spares
