AIR TANZANIA MAKING HISTORY AGAIN

By Special Aviation Correspondent, Montreal, 10-01-2019: TANZANIA is about to make history again, when its national airline, Air Tanzania, debuts the second Airbus 220 in a grand plan to consolidate its fleet, intensifying competition in the regional aviation business. Air Tanzania, continues to keep East Africans’ heads up. It is a growing airline that operates all new aircraft, solidifying its positioning deep in the pristine African skies. Air Tanzania is the only African airline on the continent that flies Airbus’ newest product, A220 series. Aviation business experts sees an end to the dominance of giant airlines in the region. This January 2019, hardly a month since the Air Tanzania became the first African airliner to introduce the airbus 220 in African skies, Tanzania brings its sister aircraft, right from the manufacturer’s workshop in Mirabel in Montreal. Tanzania's newest Airbus, thanks to President Magufuli's devoted axctions Success Story In December last year, Tanzania became the first nation in Africa and the fifth in the world to fly Airbus 220 in an ambitious and comprehensive programme to consolidate its airline business. Three years on, Tanzania continue to witness rapid economic transformations in all key sectors of the economy. Business gurus would say, “it is the man on top.” This is correct, thanks to President John Pombe Magufuli who continues to introduce management efficiency in Tanzania, a new culture that transforms the continent right from Tanzania. Efficiency is the only credible way to deliver great results in both corporate world and in the running of governments. Tanzania and Africa are grappling with this challenge. Throughout his office tenure as Minister in three different ministries, Dr Magufuli is a proven performer and efficient administrator. Clearly, as in any corporate world, performance determines the future of the organization. Successful growth of the Tanzania’s flag carrier is, therefore, another pragmatic testament of Dr. Magufuli’s unbeatable record. Tanzania is the fifth fastest growing economy in Africa. It is also projected as the fourth fastest growing economy in the world for the next decade. Indeed this is a success story. Airbus 220 The A220 is unrivalled passenger comfort aircraft with remarkable performance. It makes a lot of economic sense to operate the aircraft profitably. It has a seating capacity of above 130. It is 38.7m long and 11.5m wide. The wings extend to 35.1m and flies 5,920km without refueling. The aircraft’s fuel tanks host 21,918 liters. The airbus, already tried in Tanzania, provides unmatched fuel efficiency and environmental performance with fewer emissions. The passengers would enjoy more freedom with wide and comfortable seats. “This aircraft makes an excellent asset to further develop Air Tanzania’s business network,” says Tito Kasambala, CEO for the Government’s Flight Agency. The plan works. Comparing to 2016 where the airliner had on only one aircraft with a market share of just 2.5 per cent, three years today, its market share has grown to hold 32 per cent. Investments and Performance The Government of Tanzania which owns the aircrafts and leases them out to Air Tanzania Corporation (ATC), has made significant investments in the past three years. The sister Airbus 220 to be delivered, brings Air Tanzania’s active fleet to six. The fleet comprises three propeller-driven Bombardier Dash-8s, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and the two Airbus 220. The Government of Tanzania has pressed another order for two more aircrafts. They are expected to bring the fleet to 8.The aircrafts are Bombardier Q400 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The two jets are expected to be delivered by 2020. The Airline business could not always be an end in itself. It could be the means to an end. All large economies in the world were complemented by their airlines. It is hard to do without. Apart from improving the tourism industry, one of key stable sources of revenues, the airline would boost trade and investments. Air Tanzania’s contribution to trade, business, investments, diplomacy and branding cannot be played down. The model is proven right. Air Tanzania’s revenues doubled in less than three years of operation. The service demand is huge and continues to grow. The number of passengers has increased tremendously. The airline flies 432,000 passengers per year up from 48,000 in 2015. “When we talk of Magufuli’s incredible performance, we do not blow things out of proportions. Plenty of evidence is all around for the world to verify. The new era most of us waited for too long is finally here,” says Rosemary John, a nursing practitioner. Air Tanzania resumes International Flights in 10 years Air Tanzania resumed international flights in September last year (2018), the first time in nearly 10 years. Air Tanzania now flies to Bujumbura, Entebbe and Moroni. President Magufuli, the brain behind these achievements, says more international routes (out of Africa) were in pipeline. They include Bombay (India), Bangkok (Thailand), Guangzhou (China), United Kingdom and others to be announced later. Tanzania is ready for Change to serious business “This is a clear testimony of our resolve as a people; that Tanzanians are capable of making things happen,” President Magufuli says. When sworn in office on 5 November 2012, Tanzania’s flag carrier, Air Tanzania, had only one aircraft with barely 50 seating capacity. Today, a number of active fleet is six and growing. Credit: ISSA MICHUZI