The Zimbabwean government has identified 12 airlines that could be strategic partners for Air Zimbabwe in a bid to turn around its fortunes.

Air Zimbabwe has been faced with a number of challenges over the past years.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Joram Gumbo confirmed that the process is now fully underway with discussions taking place.

Although he could not say which airlines his ministry was engaging, Gumbo said Cabinet had given its permission for the Transport Ministry to engage in this business.

“The government made a deliberate decision to seek a strategic partner for the national airline in order to turn around its fortunes. The zeal to restore viability to our airline is there,” he said, adding that this decision was premised on the fact that at its peak, the airline was able to carry over a million passengers annually.

Gumbo said government would take over Air Zimbabwe’s deb . “Whoever comes in to partner Air Zimbabwe will come in at par with the airline as a private company as government is taking over the debt,” he said.

Responding to questions on the suitable partner for Air Zimbabwe, Gumbo said they were seeking an airline in good financial health. He said in return Air Zimbabwe had resources and a destination to offer to the partner.