Chasing Thunder
From the days of operating a modern and varied fleet, Air Zimbabwe is a shadow of its former self. Daniel Johnston steps onboard the airline’s last 737-200 to experience the thrill of flying one of the world’s few remaining Boeing Classics
Air Zimbabwe’s sole Boeing 737-2N0, Z-WPA (c/n 23677) was delivered to the airline in December 1986
The flag carrier’s Boeing 767 were once a familiar sight as far afield as London
AIR ZIMBABWE
Just two aircraft currently make up the Air Zimbabwe fleet, including the 737 classic and Embraer ERJ145, Z-WPQ (c/n 145373)
AIR ZIMBABWE
Over a decade ago, the brightly coloured tails of Air Zimbabwe’s Boeing 767-200ERs were a familiar sight as far afield as London, while a mix of Airbus A320s, Boeing 737-200s, BAe 146s and even a trio of rare Xian MA-60s supported the regional and domestic network. However, years of spiralling debt, economic instability within the country and rising competition have left the Harare-based national carrier with just two aircraft – a 1986 vintage Boeing 737-2N0A, Z-WPA (c/n 23677), and an Embraer ERJ145LR, Z-WPQ (c/n 145373).
During a visit to South Africa, I had been planning a trip to ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ (Mosi-oa-Tunya), more commonly known as Victoria Falls. While there are a number of airlines and options to get there, there was only one real choice. After arriving the previous evening on an Embraer ERJ145 of Fastjet Zimbabwe, my colleague and I made our way to Robert Gabriel Mugabe/Harare International airport for our 9am flight to Victoria Falls.
Ticket reservations can be made on the Air Zimbabwe website, which even lists aircraft types. Keen to minimise the chance of an aircraft swap to its Brazilian fleet mate, the flight had been picked on a date when the airline does not operate to Dar Es Salaam.