News reports out of Zambia are claiming that private carrier, Zambezi Airlines (ZJ), has ceased operations owing to a serious liquidity crunch.  |
| Zambezi Airlines' leased CRJ-200ER Jet (Sean Mowatt) |
According to The Zambian Watchdog, the carrier ceased operations on 19 October 2012 and has since been hunting for potential investors, with South Africa's Solenta Aviation being amongst the strongest possible leads.
"The shareholders are currently looking for equity partners to help them run the airline. So far there are discussions with Solenta Aviation of South Africa which is seemingly interested.
Because of lacking(sic) money to pay new retrenchees and others that were retrenched in 2011, Zambezi has decided to close for a while to scout for resources. The airline is expected to open in January 2013."
Bookings via its website have been suspended.
Following various safety issues raised by Zambia's Civil Aviation Authority, the carrier returned to the skies in June after a 7 month hiatus from service, using two Canadair CRJ-200ERs from South African Express.
Following various safety issues raised by Zambia's Civil Aviation Authority, the carrier returned to the skies in June after a 7 month hiatus from service, using two Canadair CRJ-200ERs from South African Express.
Should Zambezi cease ops for good, it would become Zambia's third airline to go bust, adding credence to calls for the Zambian government to create a new national carrier akin to that of the now-defunct Zambia Airways (QZ).