ATCL plans to launch three new routes

What you need to know:

 ATCL is expected to receive two new Airbus before the end of the year, which will help the national carrier to start three more routes.

Plans are afoot to enable the airline to start new route to Guangzhou, China via Bangkok Thailand by using its  Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in February.

Dar es Salaam. Air Tanzania Corporation Limited (ATCL) plans to start its new routes to Zambia, South Africa and Zimbabwe once two airbus planes arrive later this month.

The ATCL spokesperson, Mr Josephat Kagirwa, said yesterday that plans were afoot for the launch of the three routes with a view to expanding their business.

“Our decision to introduce the route to South Africa bodes well for our plans to revive the carrier. We will venture into the South African market because we want to attain our business goals,” he said.

According to him, the move is outlined in the 2017/22 ATCL strategic plan. The spokesman further explained that ATCL will introduce other routes in the future, especially to areas that are potential for business as well as tourism.

ATCL new Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner will start its flights to Guangzhou, China via Bangkok, Thailand in February.

The airline will fly three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) and return fares have been pegged at $650 (about Sh1.5 million) to $700 (Sh1.6 million) to Bangkok, which are inclusive of the Value Added Tax.

Plans are also underway to increase routes to Zambia and Zimbabwe and outside Africa, beginning with India and China, before venturing into the European market and other destinations.

Up to now, Air Tanzania flies to 10 airports inside Tanzania, using its three ‘Bombardier Q 400’ planes that have the carrying capacity of 76 passengers, considerably improving domestic travel. The airline also operates between Dar es Salaam and Entebbe via Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) by using its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. Reviving the national carrier is among the priorities of the fifth phase government.