Zimbabwe state radio says the nation's indebted airline plans to resume international flights by Oct. 31 to avert an IATA ban on flying foreign routes.

The radio reported Tuesday that Air Zimbabwe this month took delivery of two Airbus aircraft to replace its aging Boeings and meet safety standards.

The International Air Transport Association had given the carrier a three-month deadline to comply with safety standards or be barred from international airports and airspace.

State radio quoted airline officials saying "everything is on course" to resume international flights that were grounded earlier this year after a series of pilots' strikes and debts soared to more than $140 million.

The radio says China has been linked to a possible bailout plan. An official announcement by the airline is expected soon.