Purchase of new aircraft for ATCL on course

Dar es Salaam. Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced yesterday that it has signed with the government of Tanzania a purchase agreement for two Q400 turboprop airliners. 

The aircraft will be delivered with a 76 seater, dual-lavatory configuration and will be used for commercial airline operations in the region, the statement released yesterday said.

Tanzania is set to pay approximately $62 million (Sh130 billion). “Our Q400 aircraft will provide affordable, convenient and comfortable air transport solutions,” Dr Leonard Chamuriho, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Communication, was quoted as saying in the statement. 

“We’re committed to providing state-of-the-art service to our passengers and are keen to expand further as our business grows to include new destinations in Tanzania and the African region.  Tanzania is a large country with some challenging airfields, and the Q400 turboprop’s capability to operate at these airports, its jet-like speed, long-range cruise capability and outstanding turboprop economics were key factors that guided us in selecting the aircraft for our operations,” added Dr Chamuriho. 

“This transaction not only solidifies the relationship between the Government of Tanzania, and Bombardier, but also reaffirms Africa as one of the most prolific Q400 aircraft markets. The Q400 aircraft is a showcase for the continent, where it has proved itself to be extremely efficient as well as cost-effective,” Jean-Paul Boutibou, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft vice president for Sales—Middle East and Africa, said in the statement.

President John Magufuli has promised to replenish the Air Tanzania Company Limited fleet and return it to its lost glory. He said some aircraft would be bought by September to enable the troubled national carrier operate smoothly.

Bombardier aircraft have been a common feature in the ATCL fleet since the breakup of a partnership with the South African Airways in 2006. Currently the loss making airliner operates Bombardier Dash 8 Q300 and a Bombardier CRJ200.

Air Tanzania Corporation was in 2002 taken over by South African Airways and renamed ATCL.