NATIONAL airline carrier, Air Zimbabwe has refuted articles circulating on social media that one of its aircraft developed an electrical fault while mid-air carrying the senior national soccer team the Warriors.
The Warriors were travelling from Liberia for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match when the alleged incident occurred forcing the aircraft to land in Accra Ghana.
However, people were quick to pinpoint Air Zimbabwe to the mishap without verification, taking advantage of some bad publicity which the airline has been receiving owing to its current operational status.
In a statement, Air Zimbabwe distanced itself from the Warriors travelling itinerary to Liberia adding that they had no hand in the trip nor did they assist in any way.
“Air Zimbabwe notes with great concern malicious and ill-founded articles circulating online which are aimed at tarnishing the airline’s image. Air Zimbabwe wishes to correct the misleading articles as regards the alleged mid-air flight scare on an aircraft carrying the Zimbabwe Warriors team on their return leg from their trip to Liberia on 19th November 2018.
“The publishers are reports of the said articles allege that the Warriors team was travelling on an Air Zimbabwe aircraft-an allegation which is totally incorrect and seeks to tarnish the national airline’s quality and safety record. These falsehoods were circulated without any attempt or effort to verify the authenticity of the story.
Air Zimbabwe added that “we wish to put it on record that neither did Air Zimbabwe provide air transport service for the Zimbabwe Warriors team as a commercial flight nor did we charter an aircraft for and on behalf of the national team’s travel to Liberia.
“Correct and full details of the team’s travel itinerary including the Airline(s) used as well as the mid-air scare, can be obtained from the relevant authorities including the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA),” said the statement.
Despite operating under a heavy cocktail of challenges which include a ballooning debt and lack of adequate aircraft among many others, Air Zimbabwe is credited for a good safety record.
Meanwhile, Air Zimbabwe said it “sincerely regrets any inconveniences and panic that their articles may have caused to our valued clients and stakeholders.
“Air Zimbabwe supports and wishes the national team well as they fly the Zimbabwe flag high progressing towards the prestigious continental showcase,” it said.
