History

In 1967 Central African Airways assets were liquidated and allocated 15% to Malawi, 35% to Zambia and 50% to Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). As CAA was wound up Air Rhodesia was launched to replace its Salisbury (Harare) based services. The airline inherited an assortment of aircraft with Vickers Viscounts and DC-3’s forming the backbone of its domestic and international network. A code-sharing agreement between BOAC (British Airways) and CAA for joint services to London was nullified by Rhodesia’s UDI (Unilateral Declaration of Independence). In 1973 Air Rhodesia bypassed sanctions and acquired their first of three jetliners. At its peak, the airline had 13 aircraft. As Rhodesia’s Bush War escaladed after 1977 domestic air travel was viewed as a safe option until 1978 when an Air Rhodesia Vickers Viscount was shot down with missiles fired by Joshua Nkomo’s ‘freedom fighters’. His guerillas murdered 10 survivors following the terrorist attack. Five months later another flight was lost in a similar manner. These atrocities are widely regarded as convincing Rhodesia’s white community to accept the inevitability of Black rule. Air Rhodesia’s only international services were to South Africa and until 1976, Malawi and Mozambique. In 1979 the airline changed its name to Air Zimbabwe Rhodesia and a year later its current name Air Zimbabwe was adopted. Following Zimbabwe’s return to the international community they resumed services to London and added Athens, neighboring African states, Malaysia and China to their network. As Zimbabwe’s economy stalled in the 2000’s the airline’s reputation and finances collapsed and in January 2012 Zimbabwe’s High Court began steps to place the airline into liquidation. The government owned carrier owes staff $35 million in unpaid wages and there is little chance of a capital injection. President Mugabe has spoken with Chinese officials about rescuing the airline.

On-Board Service

Air Zimbabwe’s flight attendants got their jobs because of connections not because of superior customer service skills. Crew are indifferent and sometimes even resentful of passengers, but can also be friendly and smile nicely if they suspect passengers might have the right ‘connections’. Standards are low and inconsistent. Call buttons, if they work, will be answered if the flight attendant feels in the mood.

Network

Airlines are often regarded as a status symbol so Zimbabwe’s government allowed the airline to expand services on routes that made no commercial sense. By 2003 the airline’s financial cracks could no longer be papered over so the airline began axing services. Internationally Air Zimbabwe now only flies to Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Congo and Zambia. In January 2012 the airline was forced to suspend services to London and Johannesburg as unpaid creditors attempted to seize the airlines aircraft. Domestically, Air Zimbabwe’s network has retreated to serving Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. Few locals can afford to fly and few tourists are visiting the country so demand has died.

Price

Given Air Zimbabwe’s unreliability and poor service it is a very expensive airline. There is no point in booking Air Zimbabwe as reliable South African Airways serve the same routes and Emirates launch services to Harare in February 2012. Given the plight of the airline it is possible Air Zimbabwe may be unable to honor its pre-sold tickets and if it is liquidated refunds will not occur. For determined passengers booking via the airline’s website seems highly dubious.

Catering

Air Zimbabwe once had quite good catering even on short domestic flights and still does on its Beijing service, however like everything else about the airline meal service is totally inconsistent. Some flights depart without any meals on-board, presumably because the catering company has not been paid.

Entertainment

Most flights have no entertainment except the Skyhost in-flight magazine which has some interesting articles and photographs showcasing Zimbabwe. The magazine promotes a surreal view of the country, its upbeat stories totally divorced from the reality of life that awaits passengers, the instant the plane touches down.

Ground Service and baggage

Checking in can be quite quick and cheerful, especially as there can be few passengers, but baggage is a definite concern. Travelling without Travel Insurance is a big risk as theft is common. Any unprotected baggage will be opened often by several different staff members searching for items to pilfer. Bags should be plastic shrink-wrapped if available and locked. Valuable should never be placed in bags. Baggage allowances are standard and the airline’s official policy is seldom enforced.

Premium Classes & Lounges

Air Zimbabwe provides Business Class on international flights while domestic services are a single class. Passengers who flew Business Class in the 1990’s will feel at home. Seats are larger, service is prompt and crew smile more, however lights can be broken and fabric stained. Other passengers look like they are Mugabe’s cronies, which they probably are. Air Zimbabwe’s Lounge in Harare, which has no specific name, is comparable to Ariana Afghan Airlines. Tea, coffee and newspapers are available and not much else.

Economy Class

The only conceivable reason to fly Economy on Air Zimbabwe is if you have been given a free ticket. Once on board however, on domestic flights the cabin interiors are reasonable and window seats will give passengers lovely views of the picturesque countryside, however on long international flights Economy can be boring and service is bad. Economy passengers will have the nagging doubt about whether baggage will arrive in tact.

Frequent Flyer Programme

Air Zimbabwe’s Rainbow Club loyalty scheme is one of the worst in aviation and there is absolutely no incentive to join, unless you live in Zimbabwe and make frequent domestic trips. The scheme is not connected to any other airlines or travel services and is a total waste of time.

Corporate Culture

Air Zimbabwe is owned by one of the most corrupt government’s on the planet and its board of directors is packed with friends and cronies of Mugabe. Senior managers of the company use their positions to reward friends and family and enrich themselves while fuel bills, catering bills, maintenance bills, aircraft lease repayments and wages go unpaid. In most countries Air Zimbabwe’s senior echelons would be instantly dismissed or placed behind bars. The airline’s mountain of debts now tops $130 millions and they owe $35 million in wages. Because of the fear of having aircraft seized by creditors in London and Johannesburg the airlines two most profitable routes have been suspended. Zimbabwe’s High Court is currently pushing the airline towards bankruptcy and its situation seems dire. Corruption and incompetence my management are to blame.

Safety

Air Zimbabwe operates a mixed fleet of aging aircraft which they generally lease but cannot afford to have maintained properly. The airline is currently unable to make repayments and cannot afford spare parts. The age of the airline’s fleet is another contributing factor towards the airline’s financial plight. Their old aircraft are both fuel inefficient and require high maintenance, which is being neglected. Air Zimbabwe is banned from flying in the US. Considering the terrible state of the airline’s management, finances and maintenance of their fleet Air Zimbabwe has surprisingly escaped any catastrophe. The airline is often called Scare Zimbabwe due to perceived safety scares.

Air Zimbabwe - Rating

Air Zimbabwe was once a fine airline, now it should be avoided due to poor service, poor maintenance and a high possibility of bankruptcy.

www.airzimbabwe.aero