Air Zimbabwe acting chief executive officer captain Oscar Madombwe has said the airline has performed very well during the December to January festive period with all flights in and out of the Harare international airport operating at full capacity.

 

Captain Madombwe said adequate preparations for the festive period which saw the airline procuring adequate fuel, facilitated smooth operations during the holiday period, local press reported Wednesday.

 

However fuel shortages due to foreign currency problems have been hampering operations of the airline. A lull in tourist arrivals in the last few years was also affecting viability of the national air-carrier.

 

Captain Madombwe said the turnaround program which involved restructuring and growing the business of the airline is progressing well with the establishment of synergies with other international airlines such as Kenya airways and air Malawi.

 

He said establishment of strategic alliances with the regional airlines has increased Air Zimbabwe's network.

 

He also noted that delays in arrivals and departures have been reduced significantly as a result of steps that are being taken to improve the image and reputation of the national air carrier.

 

Most of the incidents of delays experienced by the airline are attributed to technical faults associated with the ageing fleet that is used by the national airline.

 

Captain Madombwe also revealed that negotiations are underway to see the replacement of Air Zimbabwe's regional and long-haul jets in a move to recapitalize the national air-carrier.

 

He said the new planes are expected in the country soon but would not reveal the expected dates of delivery.

 

Turning to restructuring at Air Zimbabwe, Captain Madombwe said the board is in the process of hunting for managers who will run the five companies that were setup last year.

 

The current board and management of Air Zimbabwe were tasked with restoring viability in the company.

 

Acting president Joice Mujuru has recently warned that government will not continue taxing the people of Zimbabwe to reward non-performers in some government parastatals.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 11, 2007)