Air Zimbabwe is planning to bring one of its Boeing 767-200 from storage and covert it into a freighter. The aircraft is expected to enter service by the end of September 2023.
Speaking to the Zimbabwe Independent, Edmund Makona, CEO, Air Zimbabwe said: “The move will boost the carrier’s regional operations and increase revenue by enhancing its cargo capacity. The next phase is to look at the fleet that we have from a strategic standpoint and utilize most of our assets. We are going to bring back one of our Boeing 767s to specifically focus on cargo. This service should be available at least within the next two months, if not less.”
The airline appointed Aviation Expert and SAATM PIP Ambassador Edmund Makona as the acting CEO just last month to implement the airline’s six-year strategic turnaround plan. The introduction of a dedicated cargo aircraft is a part of the airline’s turnaround plan.
The plan includes investing in human capital, maintaining operating equipment, and developing its route network. The airline is also seeking more funds as the plan progresses.
“We are going to grow sustainably. We are taking a crawl, walk and run approach; however, there are also low-hanging fruits. We are looking at London and Harare-Beijing. We would definitely focus on those routes as they realize an immediate return on investment,” Makona added.
Air Zimbabwe is eyeing a return to London Gatwick Airport as a monumental step in its turnaround strategy.
