Air Zimbabwe slashes prices

Published: 26 June 2014

Air Zimbabwe has slashed prices which has seen a reduction in airfares by more than half in its 'Winter price Chill' promotion.

Air Zimbabwe on Thursday issued an advert for its promotional fare to Johannesburg as it attempts to lure back long lost customers.

"Take advantage of the price freeze this winter and travel at these irresistable fares," read the promotional statement.

It is not clear as to how long the period the promotion period will last.

Local and regional passengers are expected to line up at the national carrier, to take advantage of this promotion which kicked off in July.

Air Zim, reeling from heavy debt, had a similar promotion last year which had an overwhelming response.

AirZim in July last year reduced fares for its local and regional flights by as much as 60% as part of efforts to regain the market share it had lost during the time it was grounded.

A Harare-Bulawayo return ticket was reduced to $170 from $300 while a Harare-Victoria Falls
return ticket is now $220, down from $421.

Victoria Falls-Johannesburg, Bulawayo-Johannesburg returns and Harare-Johannesburg route now costs $290 down from $420.

The debt-ridden airline bounced back to the skyways in November 2012 following a dramatic collapse fuelled by excessive government interference.

As part of the measures to expand its market, Air Zimbabwe recently introduced a 150-seater fly-by-wire mid-range Airbus A320 on its Johannesburg route. Another 50-seater Embracer jet on its domestic routes was introduced as part of efforts to regain market share.

Competition in the Zimbabwe aviation industry is likely to get stiff as more airlines are making a return to the country after years of withdrawal.

The Harare international Airport commissioned Africa's longest runway which allows the airport to handle even the biggest aircrafts in the world. Recently Ethiopian airways flew its Boeing dreamliner into the country with so much ease.
- Byo24News

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