Zimbabwe’s airline faces threat of global ban

Tuesday, 26 June 2012 06:34

Air Zimbabwe (Airzim) could be banned from international airports and airspaces if it fails to meet global safety standards within 90 days

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has issued a three-month deadline, which the airline has to comply with to ensure its international presence.

Auditors declared the airline ‘dead’ during a recent audit meet, which was carried out after a six-month long gap.

The delay in audit was due to financial challenges and inability to pay salaries to the staff, said acting Airzim chief executive officer Innocent Mavhunga.

Mavhunga remarked, “Carrying out an audit requires a proper environment and co-operation from our staff, many of whom have become irregular at work due to salary payment backlogs."

The airline is facing the risk of losing its IATA membership, following a warning issued to Airzim last week, which said it would be struck off the IATA register if it failed to comply with international safety standards.

Mavhunga said Air Zimbabwe was making efforts to comply with all IATA requirements.

“Since the audit is made at our expense, we are trying to mobilise resources, because this is an important exercise to ensure that we have our presence in international air space and airports,” he said.

Mavhunga, however, refused to disclose the amount of money needed to complete the exercise.