12/02/12, 13:46:24 EST

  e-mail this article

Zimbabwe: Airline Takes Food Shortages to the Sky

allafrica.com

AIR Zimbabwe has taken the prevailing food shortages into the sky. Hamstrung by the shortages brought about by the June 18 price slash introduced by the government, Air Zimbabwe is now serving inadequate food on its flights.

Air Zimbabwe spokesman, David Mwenga, said the airline is trying everything within its means to get its clients the best food it can under the present environment of shortages. "We are trying our best to source the best we can for the people who fly with us. But obviously the shortages do affect us," said Mwenga.

Air Zimbabwe writes on its website that it offers excellent meals on all its routes, describing them as a "mixture of exciting and exotic traditional and international dishes".

It offers on its local flights what it calls an appetiser, marinated beef julienne, grilled beef fillet with peppercorn butter, ranch potatoes, mixed vegetables among other things as dinners.

It also offers fruit salad, bran flakes, scrambled eggs, bacon rasher, and beef chipolata for breakfast on its menu.

It also claims to offer a variety of drinks, beers, whisky and juices.

But most of the food varieties it offers on its website are not available in-flight.

On a recent flight from Victoria Falls to Harare, passengers were served with only Willards potato chips from Victoria Falls to Bulawayo.

Those proceeding to Harare were then served with local beers, water and 100 percent fruit juices, which were however rationed and served in small plastic tumblers.

Others were served with Mazoe orange crush diluted with water.

"What affects our suppliers also affects us. Yes, we are facing shortages but it's not a major issue. Currently we are facing shortages of soft drinks and juices but we are managing," said Mwenga.

 Printable Version  | published Aug 30, 2007