Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) recently saw the delivery of two Q400 aircrafts from Canadian manufacturer Bombardier following the purchase agreement signed in August 2016.
The aircrafts are delivered with a 76-seat configuration at the price of USD62m. The purchase is part of ATCL’s plan to expand in Tanzania and the African region.
“As we look to expand operations and increase our route network across Tanzania and the African continent, the technologically advanced Q400 aircraft is a key component in our growth strategy,” says Leonard Chamuriho, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Works and Communication, Tanzania.
“Its ability to operate at challenging airfields, combined with its fuel efficiency, excellent reliability and comfortable passenger amenities, make it a valuable addition to our fleet,” Chamuriho adds.
Air Tanzania
Currently (2016), Air Tanzania flies only to Kigoma and Comoros but it plans to launch at least 11 new routes, including Dodoma where the Government is planning to move its headquarters over the next 5 years.
ATCL is the flag carrier airline of Tanzania based in Dar es Salaam with its hub at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA).
It was established as Air Tanzania Corporation (ATC) in 1977 and wholly owned by the Tanzanian Government until 2002 when it was partially privatized.
The Government therefore reduced its shareholding to 51% and entered into a partnership with South African Airways.
The partnership ended in 2006 when the Government of Tanzania repurchased the shares and the airline became once again a wholly owned government company.