How many aircraft does Air Zimbabwe have? - History of Fleet

Air Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd, which started operations on April 2, 1980, is the national carrier of Zimbabwe with its head office stationed at Harare Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE / FVHA). Up to the present, the airline has several problems under its belt, but still managed to maintain a fleet that is essential to the connectivity and travel within and abroad the country.

Fleet size and composition

Currently, Air Zimbabwe has a fleet of 6 aircraft having a fleet age of 29.9 years each. This aging fleet is of the combination of aircraft, which are Airbus, Boeing, British Aerospace, Embraer, and also fokker aircraft models. The different kinds of aircraft indicate that the airline tries to spread its operational capability and the fact of operating older aircraft.

Current Aircraft

1. Airbus: There is 1 Airbus making the fleet average age be 22.4 years. This plane is still under operation and it makes up the main operational portion of this airlines.  

2. Boeing Aircraft:

• Boeing 720: These are 3 Boeing 720s, of historical models that are no longer used in regular service. 
• Boeing 737: 1 Boeing 737 is present in the fleet with an average age of 38.6 years.
• Boeing 767:The company maintains 2 Boeing 767s, 1 of which is in service and one presently parked temporarily.
• Boeing 777: The carrier operates 2 Boeing 777 that are also not operating on a routine basis.

3. British Aerospace BAe 146/Avro RJ: The number of aircraft with this type amounts to 1, and it is another model with a rich history, which is in the inventory of the company.

4. Embraer: Air Zimbabwe has 2 Embraer airplanes, 24.0 years old. One of them is parked and the other one is in service.

5. Fokker 50/ 60: The airline owns 2 of the Fokker aircraft, and they also come under the historic planes.

Operational Status

The present situation of the operation of Air Zimbabwe suggests that Air Zimbabwe operates 6 aircraft, with 3 aircraft in operation and 3 aircraft under disposal. This ratio indicates some issues in operations which are experienced in the airline, and this may be due to the maintenance of the planes or poor demand of air travel in that area.

Age and fleet Maintenance

Air Zimbabwe has an average aircraft age of almost 30 years, which also presents them with special operational difficulties. Old aircraft are associated with increased maintenance costs, increased risk of mechanical breakdowns, and reduced fuel efficiency as compared to new aircraft. The issue concerning the necessity of modernization will play an important role in the sustainable operation of the airline, and we are to take strategic decisions related to such aspects as the renewal or modernization of the fleet.

Conclusion

Despite these factors and the age of the fleet, Air Zimbabwe is a critical part of the aviation business in and out of Zimbabwe and its efforts to offer important services to domestic and international countries. Air Zimbabwe can improve its ranking in the aviation industry with constant fleet management and an increased degree of operational effectiveness. The aging nature of the present-day fleet is an indication of adhering to the objectives of meeting the behaviours of the travel needs of the country and the airline business complexities. It is possible that the future may see huge potential for upgrading and modernization in its fleet, which in turn may see improved efficiency and quality of services in the future.