Local airline now to stand on own feet , confirms management

THERE is a great hope for the Air Tanzania Company Limited to run independently without depending subsidy from Central government, the management has confirmed.

By mchomonews

THERE is a great hope for the Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) to run independently without depending subsidy from Central government, the management has confirmed.

Speaking in an interview, the company’s Managing Director Ladislaus Matindi, said at the moment the ATCL’s books of account was encouraging.

“The company had bad history in the past, but now I can confirm that our financial flow is good and encouraging since we run most of services using own sources”, he said.

Citing, the MD said the company now can foot various bills using own money when comes into issues such as recruitment exercise, salaries and other activities.

Regarding future plans, he said after receiving three planes, the company would continue diversifying its operations.

Plans are also afoot for three additional planes later this year, including two Bombardier Dash 8 Next Generation Q300 from Canada and one Boeing 787-Dreamliner from the United States – bringing to six the total number of its fleet.

He said currently focused on local routes, the new airplanes would enable the Tanzania flag bearer to expand its wings within the region and beyond.

The Comoros Island in the Indian Ocean is currently the only foreign route served by ATC

Matindi had observed that with an increased fleet, his company would explore more airspace within Tanzania and beyond.

For want of direct flights, Tanzania’s national carrier was the subject of open ridicule, blamed for allegedly ‘suppressing’ the inflow of potential tourists.

Speaking at a ceremony to receive the aircraft, President John Magufuli was highly optimistic that the planes would contribute to Tanzania’s development agenda.

Last year, industry insiders predicted that East African skies would become busier after Uganda floated plans to revive its national airline – even as Tanzania and Rwanda continue to expand their fleets.