TZ AVIATION SECTOR GROWTH: Samia sees brighter prospects

SEOUL, South Korea: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has emphasised the future growth prospects of Tanzania’s aviation sector, highlighting its potential to significantly contribute to GDP and boost tourism industry.

Speaking during her acceptance speech in Goyang, Gyeonggi in the Republic of Korea, after being conferred with an honourary doctorate degree, ‘Honoris Causa,’ from Korean Aerospace University (KAU), she outlined Tanzania’s vision for a dynamic aviation industry. Dr Samia remarked, “The aviation sector holds immense potential for Tanzania.

It is our vision to realise a robust aviation industry that will position the nation as a preferred destination for investment, trade and tourism.” To achieve this goal, President Samia highlighted the importance of collaboration with KAU in capacity building, to ensure a skilled human resource pool.

“Cooperation with KAU, the Korean Airport Cooperation and Korean Air is crucial. We invite you to join us in fostering a partnership for shared prosperity in our growing aviation industry,” she said.

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President Samia also mentioned plans to expand the Civil Aviation Training Centre in Tanzania, aiming to enhance training capacity and infrastructure. She invited KAU to partner with Tanzania in this endeavour.

She said the Tanzanian government is currently reviewing its Civil Aviation Master Plan to provide strategic direction for the sector’s comprehensive and sustainable development.

President Samia acknowledged the progress made, but noted the need for more connectivity and qualified aviation personnel.

“Tanzania is directly linked with only 38 international destinations. There is room for more connectivity,” she noted.

She also pointed out challenges facing the sector, such as the need for more qualified aviation personnel, improved business process management and investment in critical airport infrastructure, including cold storage facilities for perishables.

However, President Samia remained optimistic, stating that the challenges are surmountable through capacity-building initiatives and public-private partnerships.

“By enhancing capacity and fostering partnerships, we can unlock the full potential of the aviation sector,” she said.

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Dr Samia expressed gratitude to the Republic of Korean government for its technical cooperation and support in various sectors. She also thanked President Yoon Suk Yeol for the invitation to visit the country and emphasised the importance of cooperation in the aviation sector.

“Korea Airways is among the top 10 airlines in the world, and the Korean aviation industry is highly efficient. Tanzania can benefit greatly from your experience, expertise and partnership,” she said.

This honorary degree is the fifth conferred to President Samia in the past three years. KAU conferred her in recognition of her exceptional management and contributions to the aviation sector in Tanzania.

The award was conferred during her ongoing visit to Seoul in the Republic of Korea, where she is undertaking a six-day tour.

In which today the Korean-Africa Summit commences. She dedicated the honour to all Tanzanians, acknowledging their support and the contributions of her predecessors, particularly the late President John Magufuli, for laying the groundwork for ongoing transformations in Tanzania’s aviation sector.

President Samia highlighted the strategic investments made in the aviation sector, including revamping Air Tanzania Corporation (ATCL) and upgrading airport infrastructure.

She noted the growth in Air Tanzania’s fleet, network expansion, and significant financial growth, with revenue increasing from 23bn/- in 2016/2017 to 300.84bn/- in 2022/2023.

Additionally, President Samia mentioned efforts to improve workforce capabilities, with a significant increase in the number of licensed pilots and aircraft engineers. She also outlined ongoing investments in modern air traffic management systems and radar installations to enhance air traffic safety and efficiency.

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“Tanzania’s aviation sector has grown remarkably, contributing 2.5 per cent to GDP in 2023, up from 0.8 per cent in 2018. Employment in the sector has increased by 47 per cent from prepandemic levels, now employing around 10,000 people,” she said.

President Samia concluded by expressing confidence in the continued growth of Tanzania’s aviation industry, stating that the efforts are bringing meaningful results and aligning with global trends.

“Our efforts in the aviation sector are yielding significant results, and we expect 2024 to surpass pre-Covid passenger numbers globally,” she concluded.