Air Zimbabwe

To talk of apparently marginal Zimbabwean issues while horrible events are unfolding there might seem callous. However, I have already touched on these (see previous posts) and keep hoping that at last the UK and US will manage to convince Mbeki that the (South) African position vis a vis Zimbabwe is irresponsible. Moreover, Zimbabweans have an excellent sense of humour that helps them endure the worst.

Air Zimbabwe used to be an excellent airline until relatively recently; as the rest of Zimbabwe industries it has been corroded by graft, corruption, mismanagement and, last but not least, Mugabe's abuses and general grand-standing:

Only in Zimbabwe: plane runs out of fuel ... while in the air!

They were out on a routine training session when they ran out of fuel, and so were forced to make this emergency landing. The plane has apparently lost its nose and a wing.

Mugabe commandeers Air Zimbabwe jet

Air Zimbabwe officials turned-up at Gatwick Airport as the plane was about to take off for Harare and ordered passengers who had booked the business class to get off the plane, leading to a three-hour delay.

I received this joke from friends there and would like to share it. This is how Zimbabweans take it:

Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen. This is your captain welcoming both seated and standing passengers on board Air Zimbabwe. We apologize for the four-day delay in taking off, it was due to "other" commitments. This is flight 126 to Harare. Landing there is not guaranteed, but we will end up somewhere in Zimbabwe.
If luck is in our favour, we may even be landing on your village! Air Zimbabwe has an excellent safety-record. In fact our safety standards are so high that even terrorists are afraid to fly with us!
We regret to inform you, that today's in-flight movie will not be shown as we forgot to record it from the television. But for our movie buffs, we will be flying right next to British Airways, where their movie will be visible from the right side of the cabin window.
Kindly be seated, keep your seat in an upright position for take-off and fasten your seat-belt. For those of you who can't find a seat-belt, kindly fasten your own belt to the arm of your seat ...and for those of you who can't find a seat, do not hesitate to get in touch with a stewardess who will explain how to fasten yourself to your suitcase."
ENJOY YOUR FLIGHT WITH AIR ZIMBABWE!