Air Zim dodges debt collectors

AIR Zimbabwe has suspended flights to South Africa fearing its aircraft could be seized for outstanding debts.

Acting chief executive officer Innocent Mavhunga confirmed the decision, adding that the airline could not make the payments on its US$140 million debts.

“We are trying to secure funding to pay our debts in South Africa,” he added.

Earlier in December, South African ground handler Bid Air forced the grounding of an Air Zimbabwe aircraft in Johannesburg over non-payment of a $500,000 debt.

In the UK at London Gatwick Airport another company – American General Supplies – also forced the grounding of an Air Zimbabwe aircraft over debts of $1.2 million for aircraft spares. That has now been released over a week later, but Air Zimbabwe’s regional manager for Europe and the America’s, David Mwenga, said the company does not have enough funds for compensation.

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