14 November 2011

Air Malawi forced to cancel Johannesburg flights

update (28 Nov 2011): Air Malawi returned to the air on Thursday (24 Nov 2011) after being grounded for eight days. The airline's ATR 42-320 is back in service while the Boeings are still grounded!

update (16 Nov 2011): Malawi's "The Daily Times" is reporting that Air Malawi had to suspend all flights to Johannesburg because the lease agreement on the aircraft (Boeing 737-300) the airline has been using recently for those flights is expired. It is estimated (according to the airline) that these flights will resume on 01 December 2011, although Air Malawi is "currently" in the process of sourcing a better, reliable and efficient aircraft. Good luck then...
The newspaper is also reporting that "the airline also says its other aircraft, ATR 42, which has been undergoing maintenance, is expected to be back in service on Monday November 21." Is the whole airline grounded? According to my info, Air Malawi's aircraft fleet used to consist of three planes - a Boeing 737-300, a Boeing 737-500 and a ATR 42-320.

Due to a lack of equipment, Malawi's flag carrier, Air Malawi, had to suspend all Boeing B737 operated flights between Blantyre and Johannesburg. The last flight to operate between Johannesburg and Blantyre will be today (14 Nov 2011).
In a statement the airline said that the suspension will be until further notice when replacement equipment is available. If you are booked on the route, please contact Air Malawi and/or the ticketing service you booked the flight with. We'll keep you posted.

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