Staff Reporter

Preparation for the purchase of an Embraer 145 LR are at an advanced stage as Air Zimbabwe makes strides to fulfill the airline’s turnaround strategy which calls for acquisition of relevant aircraft in line with its rout and fleet expansion programme.

According to a contact at Air Zimbabwe, the initial attempt by Air Zimbabwe to purchase two Embraer 145 LR failed due to failure by the supplier to deliver and also signs of corrupt dealings marred that deal.

“AZ is currently pursuing an alternative plan for the acquisition of an additional Embraer 145 LR aftr the initial plan to purchase two of the same type aircrafts at a total of US$4, 909 million a price which included the purchase price, maintenance and delivery.

“Unfortunately Sky First Aviation who are the sellers from Greece, failed to make delivery of the machines within the agreed time frames, and so the interim Board has since initiated the process of pursuing the alternative option of sourcing another Embraer 145 LR from elsewhere,” said the contact who preferred anonymity.

Air Zimbabwe Acting Chief Executive Officer, Tafadzwa Zaza revealed the steps that thy have already taken in its pursuit to acquire a new machine, including the companies that have been approached so far.

“Air Zimbabwe has since approached Embraer Customer Services Manager for Southern Africa, Mohammed Imtiaz Suleman to assist in securing the aircraft.

“We have selected four companies which met our requirements, Colon Miller of USA which has 6 aircrafts for sale, Bristol Association based in the USA also has 7 aircrafts, Skyworld Aviation based in UK offering 1 aircraft for sale or possible lease, and Regional One with 1 aircraft for sale,” said Zaza.

Meanwhile, an Embraer is a powerful jet, it is perfect for creating a regional network and offers great capacity and it comes highly recommended as a great option both on and off the runway.