Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Joel Biggie Matiza has said that two out of the four Boeing 777-200 ER planes purchased by the government from Malaysia are expected in the country within two months.
His remarks came after the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructure Development had demanded information on the four passenger planes bought by Government from Malaysia. Matiza said:
Two of the planes have already been fully paid for and we are expecting them in the country within two months from now.
We are still in the process of paying for the other two. Issues of foreign currency are hindering the process of paying for the other two in full, but we have already started paying for them.
The Chronicle reports that a payment of US$5 million was made last week, with more payments expected in the near future.
Earlier this month, Air Zimbabwe received an Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft. The airline has largely been operating two serviceable aircraft, a Boeing 737-200 ER and 767-200ER. Other planes have been grounded due to old age, shortage of spares and foreign currency.
More: The Chronicle