HARARE (Zimbabwe Investor) - National airline, Air Zimbabwe is reportedly searching for a strategic partner that can help move it out of its current crisis. Hampered by a severe staff exodus, an ageing fleet that is well over 20 years old and a debt overhang, the national airline is planning on engaging a partner that can invest in the airline and turn its fortunes around.

“We looked at our equipment. We went for certification, I’m pleased to note that we will get a strategic partner to deal with the debt issue,” said Dr Peter Chikumba, the airline’s chief executive.

Air Zimbabwe's Boeing 737s and 767s are costing the airline through high maintenance costs as they have been in use for well over 20 years.

Late last year Dr Chikumba explained that investors and other airlines wanted Air Zimbabwe to satisfy a checklist which includes issues to do with its balance sheet, debt issues and the operating environment. This time, the airline’s chief executive expressed optimism that the airline was ready to engage a strategic investment partner as it has gone through a certification process that satisfies parts of the checklist.

The airline is reportedly in trouble as Finance Minister Tendai Biti late last year did not allocate it any funds in his 2010 National Budget, despite concerted calls by management for consideration.

The government is understood to be considering part-privatization of the struggling national airliner.