AIR Zimbabwe says it now expects its Boeing 767-200ER plane seized in London over unpaid debts to be released on Monday.
The aircraft was impounded at London’s Gatwick airport last week over a US$1.2 million debt over to US-based spares supplier, American General Supplies (AGS).
The seizure left stranded about 160 passengers due to have flown out to Harare on the return flight.
Air Zimbabwe was said to have paid the debt but AGS refused to release the plane until the funds “reflected” in their accounts.
The American company threatened to auction the aircraft – said to be worth about US$144million – if the debt was not paid.
Acting chief executive Innocent Mavhunga said AGS should receive confirmation of the deposit on Monday adding he expected the plane back in Harare on Tuesday.
"The money has been deposited and we expect it to reflect today and we hope our plane will depart and land in the country on Tuesday morning,” Mavhunga told the state-owned Herald newspaper.
"Everything is settled for now, but you would never know with the publicity the case has developed, other complications might develop.
"It is our hope that nothing will arise and our plane flies back."
Mavhunga said passengers affected by the problem had either been refunded or put up in hotels while the issue was resolved.
Air Zimbabwe is struggling to stay afloat, weighed down by debts estimated at about US$140 million.
The airline has since suspended flights to South Africa to prevent the loss of planes to restive creditors.