TANZANIA – The Tanzania Government Flight Agency (TGFA) signed a contract with Airbus Company to buy two new passenger planes to help expand its small fleet and extend its network of destinations.
TGFA CEO Dr. Benjamin Ndimila said while speaking during the signing ceremony ‘this is a great milestone for the country because ATCL will now have more planes for its operations.’
According to him, the agreement is would allow the country to purchase two Airbus A220-300 aircrafts.
Ndimila said the new Airbus planes would have a more luxurious interior than in the existing aircraft.
“The new planes will have an improved entertainment system including screens in each seat,” he said.
President John Magufuli has been personally championing the revival of Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), joining other regional governments that are launching or revamping national carriers to share in Africa’s growing aviation business.
Ladislaus Matindi, who is ATCL managing director, said, the company would soon have a total of 11 Airbus when they finalize procurement.
“Currently, we have two aircrafts, and we expect to procure another Boeing in October and another Bombardier in November,” Ladislaus Matindi said.
With the two Airbus and another that will soon be signed, the company will have a total of 11 aircrafts.
Airbus, Vice President Sales Africa, and Indian Sub-Ocean Customers Affairs, Hadi Akoum said the company is privileged to work with ATCL and the trust it
“Following the signing agreement, the company will embark on building the crafts but because it is complex equipment it could take up to one year or a year and a half before the planes are ready,” He said
“We have a huge demand, this year we have sold at least 200 aircraft, but we promise to build the aircraft on time,” he added.
He said following the signing agreement the company will embark on building the crafts but because it is a complex equipment it could take up to one year or a year and a half before the planes are ready.
Air Tanzania’s existing fleet includes one Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, two Airbus A220-300 jets and three DHC Dash 8-400 aircraft, formerly known as the Bombardier Q400 turboprop.
