Monday, June 2, 2025
Air Zimbabwe has confirmed it will sell two Boeing 777-200ER passenger aircraft, in a move that reflects the ongoing financial challenges facing the once-proud national carrier. The aircraft, originally acquired from Malaysia Airlines in a bid to revitalize Zimbabwe’s aviation capabilities, will now be sold on an “as-is” basis from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare. The government is inviting international bidders, with a submission deadline set for July 25, 2025.
This latest development is part of Air Zimbabwe’s broader attempt to navigate mounting debts, operational hurdles, and years of alleged mismanagement. Despite efforts to revamp its fleet and reestablish its place as a competitive regional airline, the carrier has struggled to turn things around. The sale of the Boeing 777s — once seen as a symbol of a fresh start — now represents a reality check on the airline’s financial position.
While Air Zimbabwe had ambitious plans to expand its long-haul operations under the Zimbabwe Airways initiative in 2017, continued economic instability, political interference, and corruption have stifled progress. With foreign debt exceeding US$30 million and no viable strategic partner in sight, the national airline is attempting to cut losses and stay afloat — but at the cost of once-critical assets.
Selling Off the 777s: A Symbolic Step Backward
The sale of the two Boeing 777-200ER aircraft is not just a financial decision — it’s a symbolic move that marks yet another setback in Zimbabwe’s aviation story. Originally leased from Malaysia Airlines with the hope of expanding long-haul routes and elevating the country’s aviation status, the aircraft are now considered liabilities rather than assets. The planes have been grounded for years and have yet to be deployed commercially in any meaningful capacity.
The decision to offload them now, through a formal government disposal notice, underscores just how far the national carrier has fallen from its peak. While other African airlines have modernized fleets and forged strategic international alliances, Air Zimbabwe continues to be weighed down by legacy debt and a lack of credible turnaround strategies.
A Legacy of Missed Opportunities and Mismanagement
Air Zimbabwe was once a respected name in African aviation. At independence in 1980, the carrier boasted a well-maintained fleet of 15 aircraft, including Boeing 720s and Viscount 700s. It had a strong regional network, excellent safety standards, and loyal passenger traffic. But decades of mismanagement and political interference steadily eroded this foundation.
Numerous leadership changes, funding gaps, and operational inefficiencies led to a steady decline. At various points, the airline was grounded due to unpaid debts to fuel suppliers or airspace access issues. Meanwhile, attempts to restructure the airline or attract private sector investment have repeatedly failed.
The Zimbabwe Airways project in 2017 was one such initiative. Launched as a “fresh start,” it involved leasing Boeing 777s and aimed to signal a new era of global connectivity. But with limited routes, lack of technical readiness, and no clear business model, the planes never took off as envisioned.
Mounting Debt and Scandals Add to Woes
Air Zimbabwe’s financial condition remains precarious. With foreign debts exceeding US$30 million and a reputation that discourages international investment, the airline has found it difficult to access funding or build meaningful partnerships. Efforts to find a strategic foreign partner have failed multiple times, as transparency concerns and political complications continue to plague the process.
In one of the more damning episodes, the airline made headlines over the mysterious disappearance of three Chinese-made MA60 aircraft acquired between 2005 and 2006. Valued at US$48 million, these planes reportedly vanished without trace, and audits revealed no documentation to explain what happened to them. This scandal highlighted deep structural problems and cast serious doubts on the accountability of the airline’s management.
Current Fleet and the Struggle to Operate
Today, Air Zimbabwe’s operational fleet is small and aging. The airline has struggled to maintain regular service on even its most important domestic and regional routes. Maintenance delays, spare part shortages, and a skeletal crew all contribute to the challenges.
Last year, the airline leased one of its two remaining Boeing 767 aircraft to Mont Gabaon Airlines in the Democratic Republic of Congo — another move aimed at generating quick revenue rather than building long-term capability. This left Air Zimbabwe with limited options for long-haul travel, further shrinking its already modest route network.
The Aircraft Sale: Details for Bidders
According to the official government disposal notice, the sale of the Boeing 777-200ERs will take place “as is,” with the aircraft currently stationed at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport. Only reputable international bidders registered with Zimbabwe’s Procurement Regulatory Authority (PRAZ) will be eligible to participate. The deadline for submitting bids is July 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time.
This sale is likely to attract interest from secondary airlines, parts companies, or cargo operators looking to acquire aircraft at discounted prices. However, the condition and maintenance status of the planes will be key in determining buyer interest.
Looking Ahead: Can Air Zimbabwe Recover?
The sale of the Boeing 777s is yet another chapter in Air Zimbabwe’s long history of turbulence. It reflects the urgent need for financial reprieve, but also a shrinking vision of what the airline once hoped to become. While other African carriers are modernizing and expanding, Air Zimbabwe is still stuck in survival mode.
For a full recovery, industry experts argue that the airline needs more than asset sales — it needs a bold restructuring plan, independent leadership, and international transparency. Without these changes, the future of the national airline remains uncertain.
Still, Zimbabwe’s geographic position and tourism appeal offer strong potential for air connectivity. If properly managed and strategically positioned, Air Zimbabwe could once again serve as a gateway between Southern Africa and the world. But first, it must clear its debts, rebuild trust, and, most importantly, deliver on service.
