Air Zimbabwe has announced plans to sell two Boeing 777-200ER passenger aircraft it acquired from Malaysia a few years ago, as the national carrier continues to battle longstanding financial difficulties. The airline’s challenges have been attributed largely to years of alleged mismanagement, corruption, and political interference.
The government notice (1075 of 2025) invited reputable and eligible international bidders registered with the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) to participate in the disposal of the two planes. The sale will be conducted on an “as is” basis at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare, with a deadline for submissions set for July 25, 2025, at 10:00 am.
Air Zimbabwe’s current fleet struggles follow an earlier initiative in June 2017, when Zimbabwe Airways was launched with the aim of revitalizing the national carrier’s fleet and expanding its routes. Zimbabwe Airways leased four Boeing 777-200 aircraft from Malaysia Airlines on long-term leases as part of that effort. However, the national carrier’s financial woes persisted, forcing it to consider asset sales.
At independence, Air Zimbabwe inherited a well-maintained fleet of 15 aircraft, including five Boeing 720s, three Viscount 700s, and seven Hawker Siddeley HS 748s, making it one of the top regional airlines. However, decades of financial mismanagement and political meddling have eroded this once-promising status, turning the airline into a cautionary tale.
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