Air Zimbabwe: An Airline Full of History

The Air Zimbabwe airline began life as part of Central African Airways (CAA), which was created in 1946. At that time, Zimbabwe was known as Southern Rhodesia and the airline also served modern day Zambia (previously Northern Rhodesia) and Malawi (previously Nyasaland). Throughout the years, the countries gained independence and separate airlines were created. Air Zimbabwe became the name of the country's official airline in 1980 and two years later the national colours were incorporated into the logo.

The airline's headquarters is home to Technical and Commercial Training schools which produce some of the region's top aviation employees. Safety, technical advancement and warm hospitality are key factors in the airline's vision and success. Air Zimbabwe operates a Safety Management System which all staff use, they are IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audits) certified and they are part of the IATA Partnership for Quality (PfQ) initiative. The current fleet includes Modern Ark, Boeing and Airbus planes which are selected to best serve flight destinations.

Flying with Air Zimbabwe

Economy Class and Business Class seats are available to book. Business Class tickets come with the benefit of extra luggage allowance and airport lounge access.

The Rainbow Club Frequent-Flyer Programme allows regular customers to collect airmiles to redeem for travel. The more miles you collect the higher your membership tier and the more benefits available, including excess baggage allowance, express check-in and Business Class lounge access.

Practical Information

Flights must be reconfirmed within 72 hours of departure to prevent cancellation. Domestic passengers must check-in 90 minutes before departure and international passengers must check-in at least two hours before departure.

Hand luggage may weigh up to 8 kg and each piece must not exceed the maximum dimensions of 51 cm x 20 cm x 38 cm. Additionally, a personal item (e.g. laptop, walking stick, handbag, etc.) is permitted. The checked luggage allowance for domestic flights for Economy Class passengers is 20 kg and for Business Class passengers it is 30 kg. For international flights, the luggage allowance varies, as follows:

• Harare / Johannesburg / Harare: Economy 40 kg (2 pieces at 20 kg each), Business 50 kg (2 pieces at 25 kg each)

• Harare / Lusaka / Harare: Economy 20 kg (2 pieces at 10 kg each), Business 30 kg (2 pieces at 15 kg each)

• Bulawayo / Johannesburg / Bulawayo: Economy 30 kg (2 pieces at 15 kg each), Business 40 kg (2 pieces at 20 kg each)