Zambia and Russia will discuss a new delivery timeline for a Sukhoi Superjet 100 plane (SSJ100) that it ordered from Russia two years ago.
Last year in February, Zambia took delivery of a new Gulfstream G650 VIP jet, which arrived from Israel in Lusaka on 28 February.
The aircraft (AF001) is believed to have been ordered at a cost of $65 million via Israel, where it was fitted with self-defence systems.
On the new purchase, Zambia’s Ambassador to Russia Shadreck Luwita said in an interview that Zambia will be proceeding with the order.
“The delivery period was rescheduled to this year. Unfortunately because of the lockdown, the delivery is yet to take place, the delivery period will be worked out,” Ambassador Luwita said.
Zambia considered buying an additional four jets but the diplomat said that no new deliveries were being negotiated for the time being, as the country was still waiting for the first jet to arrive.
The Russian industry and trade minister said in late 2018 that the aircraft would be flown to Zambia in 2019.
The delivery was suspended over lack of funding and rescheduled to 2020 but fell through because of the pandemic.
The SSJ100, a regional jet designed by Russian aircraft company Sukhoi, is a twin-engine plane that can carry up to 98 passengers and fly at a distance of up to 2,470 miles (3,975 kilometres).
The aircraft would replace the current presidential jet, the 17-year-old Bombardier Business Aircraft Challenger 604 9J-ONE (msn 5486).
The diplomat told Sputnik News in Moscow: “The delivery period was rescheduled to this year. Unfortunately, because of the lockdown, the delivery is yet to take place. The delivery period will be worked out.”
Zambia had considered buying an additional four jets, but Mr. Luwita said that no new deliveries were being negotiated for the time being, as the country was still awaiting the arrival of the first one.
News of the purchase comes as holders of Zambia’s Eurobonds rejected on Friday, a request from the Zambian government to defer interest payments, setting the country on a path towards becoming Africa’s first COVID-era sovereign default.
“While the government regrets that the bondholders did not approve the requests made by Zambia in good faith, we remain committed to finding a consensual and collaborative resolution to debt sustainability issues,” the Zambian government said in a statement.
These PF thugs are going on their knees country wide begging to be voted in next year while they are spending the tax payers money on non essential expensive planes one after another in this current economic condition. Come 2021, we know what to do.
WE ARE DEFAULTING ON DEBT AND WE ARE TALKING BUYING NEW PRESIDENTIAL AIRCRAFT – WHAT A JOKE WE ARE ! NO WONDER CREDITORS DONT WANT TO GIVE US RELIEF !!!!!!!!
PLEASE PUT THESE BAD JOKES ASIDE. ALL THOSE GOLD DEPOSITS NOW OFFICIALLY BELONG TO OUR CREDITORS.
No third term .. if anyone accept Bandit lungu nomination papers it’s treason at ECZ. Fix the economy you corrupted individuals. $22 to K 1 fix the economy Bandits and buy back $ 27 billion in 7 yes you borrowed.
We are in trouble with these crooks making decisions for us. You have failed to service your debt but you want to buy a plane? Awe sure!
You would think that a government that claims to be “pro-poor” would think and act differently… is this a case of craving things that some people only once dreamed of?
“…..The aircraft (AF001) is believed to have been ordered at a cost of $65 million via Israel, where it was fitted with self-defence systems…”
Plezzz ……..who would waiste their time wanting to shoot down lungu, the missile used would cost far more than any value of lungu, either alive or not.
Dununa reverse go and dance, this is what you wanted. A dog for a president. PF a party of1doits
These things do not come cheap , no need for this, country in serious debts already
Why do they want to buy HH a 17 year old jet? Or is plane going with the outgoing president Lungu as part of retirement package?
The decision to buy such a plane is manifestly wrong. It definitely is not a priority in this democracy.
The problem with opposition is that most of them think with their tribal behinds. When that jet is purchased it will remain the property of government and any leaders after ECL will use it. The f00lish author forgets to add that the old jet will be sold to supplement the purchase of the new one. The president safety is vital. Why should he risk flying in a 17 year old jet. If you think buying a safe jet is expensive then wait till you see the cost of burying a sitting president. Let us be reasonable and not criticize things just because you are in opposition. Grow up imwe tukala twenu
We don’t have medicines in our clinics, we are just given prescriptions to go and buy medicines from drugs stores.
Such non essential expensive aircraft purchases must be stopped by all reasonable people.
THE ORDER SHOULD BE CANCELLED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT FOR LACK OF FUNDS.
LET US GROW UP AND BE SERIOUS.
IF THIS IS A JOKE IT’S NOT FUNNY
Bally will cancel this order.
@Kaizer, the cost of burying a sitting president can’t be $65 million. Can you for once be omnidirectional rather what you have been. All your posts are about YES YES YES YES. When will you ever be objective and critical of some PF policies? I’m waiting.
@Kaizer, the cost of burying a sitting president can’t be $65 million. Can you for once be omnidirectional rather what you have been. All your posts are about YES YES YES YES. When will you ever be objective and critical of some PF policies? I’m waiting.
Aka ka Ci colour is being misled by KZ the lab tech turned political adviser and the useless lawyer Tutwa Ngulu . Focus your energy on repairing your marriage .The Ethiopian girl looks more sensible than you .