Gunship
23rd May 2003, 23:56
Air Zimbabwe, the ailing state carrier, has announced that it will sell international tickets for foreign currency only, in a move that will cut Zimbabweans' overseas travel and possibly lead to the carrier's collapse. :{
Air Zimbabwe has been the only airline to accept Zimbabwean currency from travelers, and has been the main carrier for most Zimbabweans flying abroad.
Zimbabwe's domestic troubles have placed foreign currency in short supply. Domestic shortages of aviation fuel have forced Air Zimbabwe to load additional fuel when landing in neighboring countries, and it is hard pressed to pay for the fuel, in addition to other costs.
British Airways and South African Airways already require payment in foreign currency. Due to the fuel shortage, South Africa Airways has been obliged to reduce its baggage and cargo load in order to carry extra fuel for round trips between Johannesburg and Harare. :oh:
Air Zimbabwe has been the only airline to accept Zimbabwean currency from travelers, and has been the main carrier for most Zimbabweans flying abroad.
Zimbabwe's domestic troubles have placed foreign currency in short supply. Domestic shortages of aviation fuel have forced Air Zimbabwe to load additional fuel when landing in neighboring countries, and it is hard pressed to pay for the fuel, in addition to other costs.
British Airways and South African Airways already require payment in foreign currency. Due to the fuel shortage, South Africa Airways has been obliged to reduce its baggage and cargo load in order to carry extra fuel for round trips between Johannesburg and Harare. :oh: