President Hussein Mwinyi of Zanzibar, who also serves as the Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, has urged Air Tanzania (ATCL) to prioritize flights that include Zanzibar as a destination to stimulate economic growth. Speaking at the reception ceremony for a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner at the Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume International Airport on August 20, 2024, Mwinyi emphasized the strategic importance of reliable air travel in line with the country’s economic development plans.
Mwinyi highlighted that increasing flights to Zanzibar could attract more tourists to the island’s attractions and benefit Tanzania as a whole. He assured that the government would continue to enforce aviation policies and regulations to encourage more airlines to operate within the country, thus contributing to the national economy.
The rapid growth of the tourism sector and the increasing benefits from the blue economy, according to Mwinyi, heavily depend on the efficiency of ATCL. He stressed the importance of maintaining reliable air travel, particularly in linking Pemba Island with other parts of the country, as there are untapped tourism opportunities there.
Investment in ATCL, Mwinyi added, plays a significant role in enhancing the country’s regional and international connectivity. However, despite economic growth, challenges remain, especially for exporters, and these need to be addressed. He called on the Ministry of Transport to ensure that the ATCL board effectively manages the newly acquired aircraft to achieve the expected returns.
The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Transport, Professor Godius Kahyarara, noted that this aircraft is the eighth received under the current administration. The plane, which can fly for 14 to 24 hours without landing, was purchased by the government at a cost exceeding Sh300 billion. Professor Kahyarara pointed out that with this addition, ATCL becomes a leader in the central corridor, promoting greater use of ports and railways, which in turn boosts the national economy.
The Minister of Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa, mentioned that with the arrival of this third aircraft of its kind, the challenge of flight cancellations due to technical issues with one aircraft is significantly reduced. The acquisition increases the total number of aircraft in ATCL’s fleet to 16.
Zanzibar’s Minister of Construction, Communication, and Transport, Dr. Khalid Mohamed Salum, stated that the government continues to improve infrastructure, including expanding and constructing airports in Unguja and Pemba.
The aircraft was initially scheduled to arrive on August 19, 2024, but the reception was delayed due to bad weather in the United States.
| ATCL’s Current Fleet | Total Aircraft |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Added Under Current Administration | 8 |
| Total ATCL Aircraft After New Addition | 16 |
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