Air Tanzania fleet to hit 11 as govt gears for 78-seater bombardier aircraft
Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Government Flight Agency (TGFA) on October 19, 2019, signed a purchase contract with a Canada-based aircraft manufacturer 'De Havilland' to buy a 78-seater Bombardier Q400 for Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL).
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the TGFA's Chief Executive Officer Dr Benjamin Ndimila said the new aircraft would be delivered to Tanzania between June and July, 2020. However, the CEO did not say how much the new plane would cost.
Dr Ndimila said the agency would soon have a total of new eleven aircraft in its fleet when they finalize the procurement.
The government has already announced plans to purchase three additional planes this year in order to expand air services both domestically and internationally.
The airline's existing fleet includes one Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, two Airbus A220-300 jets and three DHC Dash 8-400 aircraft, also known as Bombardier Q400.
During the signing ceremony, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited's Regional Vice -President of Sales Mr Sameer Adam applauded Tanzania for high-speed performance and capacity to improve air transport services.
ATCL Managing Director Ladislaus Matindi said, “Following the addition of this plane, we will now have a total of five planes with small seating capacities suitable for the domestic market in particular," said Mr Matindi.
