Tanzania has acquired the third plane out of the 6 planes expected to revive the national carrier. The aircraft is a Bombardier Q-400 which arrived at the Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) this month. The government bought the aircraft at Sh$32 million from Canada-based Bombardier Inc.
Tanzania created the programme to revive the national carrier two years ago. The programme entailed buying six new planes between 2016 and 2018, settling debts, enhancing and modernising business systems, and acquiring capital.
“We will receive three more [aircraft; this time jets]. We will have a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and two Bombardier C300 series. They will arrive before the end of this year,” President Magufuli said while receiving the Bombardier Q-400.
During the ceremony, President Magufuli also laid the foundation stone for the installation of four radar systems at JNIA. The radar systems will also be installed at Mwanza, Songwe, and Kilimanjaro airports within 18 months.
The project is one of the strategies set by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority to enhance civil aviation in the country.
“The project will also facilitate search and rescue operations in case of emergency or air accidents. This will enable the country to meet the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO’s) standards and guidelines,” TCAA director-general Hamsa Johari said.
Air Tanzania has been operating at a loss and relying on government subsidies.
