While preparing to expand into new markets across Africa, Asia, and Europe, the flag carrier of Tanzania, Air Tanzania, has placed an order for four new Boeing jets, including three passenger planes and a freighter.
On November 16, 2021, Boeing announced that Air Tanzania had placed an order for two Boeing 737 MAXs, a single 787-8 Dreamliner, and a 767-300 Freighter. The deal was made during the 2021 Dubai Airshow and was valued at more than $726 million at list prices.
The government-owned carrier, which operates a fleet of eight aircraft, including four Dash 8-Q400s, two Airbus A220-300s, and two Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner jets, is focused on expanding its service across Africa, Asia, and Europe. The decision to order new aircraft comes as the Dar es Salaam-based airline plans to serve the regional African network, while aiming to take advantage of the growing demand for freight and passenger services in the area.
In a statement given by Boeing, Air Tanzania CEO Ladislaus Matindi is quoted as saying: “Our flagship 787 Dreamliner is popular with our passengers, providing unrivaled in-flight comfort and ultra-efficiency for our long-haul growth.”
Matindi continued: “Adding to our 787 fleet, the introduction of the 737 MAX and 767 Freighter will give Air Tanzania exceptional capability and flexibility to meet passenger and cargo demand within Africa and beyond.“
Currently, Air Tanzania services more than 10 domestic routes from DAR airport. These are Dodoma (DOD), Kilimanjaro (JRO), Kigoma (TKQ), Mpanda (NPY), Geita (GIT), Mbeya (MBI), Mtwara (MYW), Mwanza (MWZ), Bukoba (BKZ), Songea (SGX), Tabora (TBO), Arusha (ARK) and Zanzibar (ZNZ). It also offers international flights to Mumbai (BOM), Hahaya (HAH), Lusaka (LUN), Harare (HRE), Bujumbura (BJM), and Entebbe (EBB).