Tanzania surge in aviation sector

…Mwinyi ushers in new Boeing B787-8 Dreamliner

ZANZIBAR: TANZANIA celebrated a significant milestone on Tuesday with the arrival of a new Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, marking a major advancement in the country’s aviation sector.

With a capacity of 262 passengers, this new addition is a major asset for the national flag carrier, Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), bringing its fleet total to 16. This expansion is set to enhance ATCL’s global route network.

The aircraft was officially received by Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA).

The Dreamliner which cruised for 15 and half an hour from South Carolina in the USA and arrived at approximately 6:45 PM, is the third of its kind in Tanzania’s fleet. The event was highlighted by a traditional water salute.

During the reception, President Mwinyi emphasized that the arrival of the new plane is a direct fulfillment of the ruling party CCM’s 2020-2025 Election Manifesto.

He stated that the Dreamliner would foster economic growth, improve ATCL’s operational efficiency and enhance Tanzania’s global connectivity. The government is committed to continuing its significant investment in ATCL, Mwinyi added.

“This development is a positive step towards expanding Tanzania’s role in international air travel and enhancing our broader economic landscape,” said Dr Mwinyi.

He encouraged ATCL management to remain innovative and address challenges effectively, stressing the importance of maintenance and staff training.

Minister for Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa highlighted that the new aircraft would greatly expand ATCL’s reach.

“The Dreamliner has a capacity of carrying 262 passengers, including 22 business class seats and 240 economy seats. It can also carry between 15 and 20 tonnes of cargo, depending on passenger and luggage volume,” he explained.

Prof Mbarawa noted that the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner would enable ATCL to broaden its flight network, with plans to introduce new routes to the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa and Goma), Oman (Muscat), and Nigeria (Lagos).

The expansion of flights and routes will not only enhance commercial benefits but also create employment opportunities and boost the tourism sector, he added.

As of June, this year, ATCL employed 826 people, including 118 pilots, 178 technicians and engineers, and 530 other staff members.

Prof Mbarawa emphasized that the new aircraft symbolizes the government’s ambitious plans to develop a vibrant and robust aviation sector, positioning Tanzania as a prime destination for investment, trade and tourism.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, during her state visit to the Republic of Korea in June this year, reiterated the nation’s vision of developing a strong aviation industry to attract investment, trade and tourism.

Despite global challenges, including Covid-19, the aviation sector has shown resilience, thanks to substantial government investments.

These investments align with the National Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III – 2021/22 – 2025/26) and CCM’s 2020-2025 Election Manifesto.

Reviving ATCL is a key flagship project, crucial for its positive impact on the economy, particularly in fostering a competitive export economy.

The FYDP III outlines continued support for ATCL, including the acquisition of eight new aircrafts (six passenger and two cargo), pilot and engineer training, and the opening of new routes.

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These efforts are expected to directly benefit the tourism industry, a significant contributor to government revenue.

The project also involves substantial capital investments in airport infrastructure, new aircraft, passenger and cargo terminals, and ground transportation improvements.

According to the 2024/25 Transport Ministry budget and the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), the aviation sector is showing growth.

International passenger numbers increased to 2,311,728 as of March this year, up from 2,090,806 in 2020. Domestic passenger numbers rose to 2,769,192, compared to 2,568,971 in 2020.

Cargo volume also increased to 27,532 tonnes, up from 24,172.2 tonnes in 2020. Aircraft movements grew to 205,968 as of March this year, compared to 189,183 in 2020.