► SOUTH AFRICA: Air Zimbabwe's A320 grounded in Johannesburg following birdstrike.

In a tale of very bad luck, Air Zimbabwe's (UM) first Airbus A320-200 (MCN 630 | Z-WPM) was today Wednesday May 29, temporarily grounded at Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport following a reported birdstrike. The A320 had only just been put into active service with the airline this past week.

Air Zimbabwe A320 Z-WPM in Harare
(© Demotix)

According to The Herald, the A320 suffered a damaged windscreen, though whether this occured on approach or on climb out, is uncertain.

Senior Air Zimbabwe officials are said to have confirmed the incident but could not say when the plane is expected to fly again.

Air Zimbabwe's chairman, Mr Ozias Bvute, is expected to issue a statement shortly.

Thanks to Markos Davios