Air Zimbabwe to buy aircraft from China

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By Staff Reporter

ZIMBABWE'S national carrier, Air Zimbabwe, will acquire a long haul aircraft from China shortly, the official news agency New Ziana reported.

The latest co-operation between the Zimbabweans and the Chinese comes hot on the heels of revelations that Zimbabwe acquired eight new fighter jets and other military hardware at a cost of over US$200m from China.

Sources said the decision to acquire aircraft from China was a political one rather than a business deal as President Robert Mugabe repositions the country to "look to the Far East" after predicting an end to world domination by Western countries.

Air Zimbabwe was quoted as saying that the aircraft would be used on Air Zimbabwe's new routes to China and other Asian nations.

The airline has announced plans to introduce flights to Beijing and other destinations in Asia, and was looking for a long haul jet to use on the routes.

China and Zimbabwe signed a preferential tourist agreement last year, which is expected to lead to an increased inflow of Chinese visitors to the country.

"This (lack of aircraft) was one of the things that was holdingus from implementing the agreement with the Chinese, and we should move forward now that this has been sorted out," said an official from Air Zimbabwe.

The official said an agreement had also been reached for Air Zimbabwe to fly to Singapore en route to China.
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