Air Zimbabwe takes off after debt paid
2011-12-26 17:10
Special Report
Civil society groups in Zimbabwe say election delay would do little to dissuade President Robert Mugabe's supporters from voter intimidation.
Harare - An Air Zimbabwe plane impounded in London for more than two weeks over a debt dispute flew home on Sunday after the national carrier settled $1.2m owed to a US spares company, the airline's acting chief executive said.
"Yes, the plane arrived this morning from the UK and we are grateful," Innocent Mavhunga told AFP.
American General Supplies seized Air Zimbabwe's Boeing 767-200 at Gatwick over unpaid fees of $1.2m resulting in the airline cancelling the flight and reimbursing stranded passengers.
The airline has also suspended flights to neighbouring South Africa over a debt of $500 000 fearing creditors might impound more of its planes.
The airline, already struggling to pay its workforce and facing mounting fuel shortages, needs about $40m to clear some of its debts, Mavhunga said earlier this month.
The airline says its financial difficulties are a result of the international sanctions targeting Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's regime.
- AFP
