Air Zimbabwe Retires Exclusive Falcon 7X Presidential Jet

Air Zimbabwe has officially retired its sole Falcon 7X aircraft, marking the end of an era for the national carrier and the nation’s presidential fleet. According to ch-aviation research, the Falcon 7X, which previously served as Zimbabwe’s presidential jet, is now the first of its kind to join Axis Aviation San Marino’s prestigious fleet.

The Falcon 7X, identified by its registration Z-AZM (msn 299), completed its final flight under Zimbabwean ownership on July 11, 2024. This significant journey took the aircraft from Harare International Airport to Johannesburg Lanseria Airport. Following its last Zimbabwean flight, the jet remained grounded at Johannesburg Lanseria until September 24, 2024. On that date, it resumed operations under a new Aruban registration, P4-MTP, embarking on a flight to Cape Town International Airport.

In a strategic move to further its global footprint, the Falcon 7X was re-registered as T7-MTP between October and November 2024. This re-registration signified its transition to Axis Aviation San Marino, a notable player in the aviation sector. The aircraft began its operations under the new registration on November 21, 2024, successfully completing two flights between Johannesburg Lanseria and Durban King Shaka Airport.

The Dassault Falcon 7X, a state-of-the-art business jet, was only 1.8 years old at the time of its retirement. Initially registered in Aruba as P4-SIM, the jet made its inaugural flight on March 1, 2023, traveling from Paris Le Bourget Airport to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport. Local publication, The Zimbabwean, reported that the Falcon 7X was actively utilized as Zimbabwe’s presidential aircraft under the P4-SIM registration. During its tenure, President Emmerson Mnangagwa frequently used the jet for various state missions, underscoring its importance to the national carrier.

Following its initial registration, the Falcon 7X was re-registered and integrated into Air Zimbabwe’s fleet later in 2023. With the retirement of this aircraft, Zimbabwe no longer maintains an official presidential jet. In early November 2024, President Mnangagwa traveled to the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Azerbaijan aboard a Royal Jet B737-700(BBJ), registered as A6-RJU (msn 62468).

Air Zimbabwe’s current passenger fleet comprises five aircraft, including one Airbus A320-200, one Boeing 737-200, one Boeing 767-200ER, and two Embraer E145s. The retirement of the Falcon 7X represents a significant shift in the airline’s operational dynamics and its executive transport capabilities.

The addition of the Falcon 7X to Axis Aviation San Marino is part of a broader fleet expansion strategy. This expansion includes the acquisition of a Global 5000 and a Falcon 2000LX, marking a substantial enhancement of the company’s service offerings. Notably, this Falcon 7X is the first of its type within the Axis Aviation group, as neither the Swiss-based AXIS Aviation, AXIS Aviation Austria, nor its South African division, Absolute Flight Services, previously operated any Falcon 7X aircraft.

Axis Aviation San Marino’s acquisition of the Falcon 7X underscores its commitment to providing high-end, reliable aircraft to its clientele. The Falcon 7X is renowned for its exceptional performance, range, and luxury, making it a valuable addition to the company’s diverse fleet.

The retirement of Air Zimbabwe’s Falcon 7X not only signifies the end of its service as a presidential jet but also highlights the dynamic nature of the aviation industry. As aircraft change hands and find new roles with different operators, the global aviation landscape continues to evolve, driven by strategic decisions and expanding operational needs.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com