By Chat Ndege
- UM takes delivery of second ERJ145
- B767 completes c-check and aims international flights
Zimbabwean national carrier Air Zimbabwe will take delivery of its long-awaited Embraer ERJ145 aircraft on Wednesday 24 January 2024 at Harare, RG Mugabe International Airport.
The much-awaited aircraft is expected to land in Harare at 0900 local time to an industry custom of a water cannon salute. In late December 2023, the ERJ145 registered N214MA with MSN 145559 was observed performing a ferry flight from Canada, Goosebay to Keflavik in Iceland. Once delivered it will be the second ERJ145 on Air Zimbabwe’s fleet allowing the airline to resume some of its historic routes.
Upon completion of regulatory processes and requirements, the aircraft is expected to operate Air Zimbabwe’s domestic routes of Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. The airline’s southbound route to Johannesburg is expected to be reintroduced after being suspended due to the lack of operating equipment.
INTERESTING BACKGROUND
The 22-year-old aircraft joins the Air Zimbabwe fleet after being previously operated by eight other airlines across the world. According to online aircraft modules, Air Zimbabwe’s other Embraer ERJ145 registered Z-WPQ is currently stored in Harare.
NATIONAL DISPLAY
According to the programme and invitations that have been seen by Chat Ndege, Air Zimbabwe has planned a static display of the aircraft upon arrival in Harare. An aircraft inspection will be conducted by officials and the press with Air Zimbabwe having to include one of their operational Boeing 767-200ER registered Z-WPF, with MSN 24867. The 33-year-old aircraft is scheduled to be deployed on the airline’s planned traditional international routes to Europe, Far and the Middle East.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Historically Air Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s premier airlines with international accolades. The airline has already submitted applications to operate flights to London using the B767-200ER and we should be able to see the additional ERJ145 on the domestic and regional routes.
