MANAGEMENT at Air Zimbabwe said Wednesday they had found the US$1.2 million needed to secure the release of an aircraft seized in London over the debt.
The airline’s Boeing 767-200 was seized at London’s Gatwick airport on Monday by American General Supplies after the company got a court order for money owed for spare parts and maintenance equipment.
NewZimbabwe.com understands the airline risks losing the aircraft if it is not recovered by Thursday.
But acting chief executive, Innocent Mavhunga said Wednesday the government had provided the money to pay-off the debt.
"Our parent ministry has mobilised all the money needed to clear the debt and what is now left is to transfer the money," Mavhunga said.
"If all things be equal, the money should reach them (AGS) tomorrow (today) and we get our plane back."
Transport and communications minister, Nicholas Goche had also insisted during the day that auctioning of the plane, scheduled for Wednesday had been deferred as negotiations with AGS continued.
“We hope to get the money soon,” he says.
Meanwhile, about 160 passengers stranded at Gatwick since Monday were moved into a London Hotel on Wednesday as the airline scrambled to resolve the problem.
The passengers had accused Air Zimbabwe of abandoning them as they were forced to spend Tuesday night at the airport after refusing to return home without being refunded their tickets.
“We have now been put in a hotel. Officials here – who I must add are doing their best under the circumstances -- say the money has been paid and there is a chance we could travel on Thursday,” one passenger said.
“We just want to go home.”
Mavhunga appealed for patience saying frantic efforts were being made to address the problem.
"Naturally passengers have a reason to complain, but we urge them to be patient as efforts are being made to normalise the situation," he said.
Air Zimbabwe is said to owe suppliers and other service providers about US$137.7 million.