One of the enduring icons of African aviation, and a long-standing reminder of earlier days of the Boeing 737, is the small fleet of 737-200s flown by Air Zimbabwe.
These aircraft have been an important part of this country’s air travel industry since the 1980s when the aircraft were first delivered, and were still actively seen flying on regional routes around Eastern Africa until recent years.
The reality behind their long existence was the poor financial state of Air Zimbabwe and the country’s government who could not access more modern types until recent years. This left these classics in their familiar liveries depicting the Zimbabwean flag, still cruising the skies long after other airlines have retired the classic 737 variants.
Air Zimbabwe 737 History
Photo (c) DocklandsTony
Air Zimbabwe had been flying jet aircraft since the first Boeing 707 arrived in 1980, allowing long-haul operations to
commence. Three Boeing 720s arrived shortly after in 1983.
Short-haul services at the time were flown by Douglas DC-3 and Vickers Viscount aircraft., but the airline wanted to grow and improve its position by adding new jet equipment on its regional services.
Air Zimbabwe 737-200 Fleet
The first Boeing 737-200 to be operated by Air Zimbabwe was actually leased from Maersk Air in Denmark. This was Z-NAL (previously OY-APS) and flew with the African airline from 1985-87.
The first Boeing 737-200 to be operated by Air Zimbabwe was actually leased from Maersk Air in Denmark. This was Z-NAL (previously OY-APS) and flew with the African airline from 1985-87.
Then, in 1986, the three aircraft ordered new from Boeing arrived. They were:
Z-WPA (23677/1313)
Z-WPB (23678/1405)
They all arrived in 1987/87 and entered service on the airline’s network out of Harare to destinations across Africa.
Photo (c) Ryan McFarland
They all arrived in 1987/87 and entered service on the airline’s network out of Harare to destinations across Africa.
Z-WPA spent time on lease to Uganda Airlines from 1993-99 and LAM Mocambique from 2001-05.
Where Are They Now?
All three aircraft still exist, having flown regularly with the airline despite more modern types arriving. Their presence became a draw to aviation enthusiasts, and a symbol of continuity for the people of Zimbabwe.
Today, both Z-WPB and Z-WPC are confirmed to be stored at Harare. Their lifespan may have come to a natural end, having flown for more than 30 years.
Z-WPA, however, is still somewhat of a mystery.
While newer types like the Embraer 145 fly most of the airline’s domestic and regional services, this particular 737 has featured on scheduled services at least as recently as early 2023, and may still operate on occasion. It is also wearing a more modern livery.
In mid-2023, Gabriel Leigh of Flightradar24 filmed this video where he had booked on and hoped to fly the 737 from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls, but ultimately had an Embraer subbed in.
Sometimes the aircraft was known to be used for flying VIPs and government officials, and so was not regularly planned on mainline services. It is also likely to be close to the end of its life, with availability of parts sparse in this part of the world.
Air Zimbabwe’s Fleet and Route Network Today
The current Air Zimbabwe fleet comprises:
- 2x Airbus A320-200
- 2x Boeing 767-200ER
- 1x Boeing 777-200ER
- 1x Embraer 145
- 1x Xian MA60
However, all but the Embraer and Boeing 777 – plus possibly one of the 737-200s – are thought to be stored.
The airline’s route network regularly changes, however routes that are currently running include:
- Harare – Bulawayo
- Harare – Dar es Salaam
- Harare – Johannesburg
- Harare – Victoria Falls
Boeing 737-100 and -200 Book
A new book by Matt Falcus charts the development of the early Boeing 737-100 and -200 variants, and many of the airlines that flew them. See the colours of airlines around the world, including Air Zimbabwe in this full colour book which is a real trip down memory lane. It’s also a chance to see some of the 737-200s still active today.
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