ATCL collects Sh9bn in four months: official

Dodoma. Although Air Tanzania Company managing director Lasislaus Matindi has admitted that it will take time for the company to reposition itself, revenue collection is increasing.

Mr Matindi said the company managed to collect Sh9 billion in the first four months since it started operating using two new aircrafts last October.

However, Mr Matindi said about 80 per cent of the revenue was spent on operational costs and on settling some outstanding debts.

He said the company had paid about Sh2 billion debts and $160,000 per month as lease fees and maintenance reserve for the aircraft.

“We have installed a new revenue management system, which helps us to control theft and be able to track records accurately. One of the areas, which the money was not seen is a cargo section, but we are getting about Sh100 million every month on average,” Mr Matindi told reporters after talking with the Parliamentary Public Investment Committee yesterday.

Last year, the government of Tanzania bought two Q400 aircraft from Canadian manufacturer Bombardier.

The planes were delivered with a 76-seat configuration at $62 million. The aircraft commenced commercial operations with the state-run ATCL, the national carrier of Tanzania.

However, the airlines have accrued a debt of Sh103 billion, which is now under audit before the government takes it up. Mr Matindi also said the company was investing in electronic operating system improvements and needed $1.2 million more to complete the process.

However, much as the committee was happy with the explanation from the management and board of the ATCL, it said the report was too general and asked them to prepare a detailed report.

“We need the management and board of ATCL to bring us a concrete report with the investment policy, a business plan, a recruitment plan and the challenges they face,” said PIC chairman Alberb Obama.