Air Tanzania considers initiating direct flights to US, China and Russia markets

 

Air Tanzania (ATCL) considers initiating direct flights to US, China and Russia markets after acquiring new Boeing plane.

“Negotiations with the manufacturer are going on and further talks are set for next month,” President John Magufuli said this during his first address to members of the press.

"We have allocated $10 million as advance payment for a new Boeing," Dr. Magufuli said, adding that three more aircraft are also scheduled to arrive anytime in June, next year. 

He detailed that the new fleet, which is tailored to revive the nation's flag carrier, includes two SC 300 jets with up to 300 passenger seats and one Bombardier Dash 8400.

The plan, according to the president, is designed to transform the nation's infrastructure and to spur development through industries and tourism. 

According to President Magufuli, Tanzania is not performing well in the tourism industry.

Citing Morocco, the president said the far northern African country registered 10.3 million arrivals last year and expects about 14 million this year, while Tanzania was still struggling with only two million tourist arrivals.

He explained that the government commitments on improving infrastructure is undisputed. "We allocated Tshs 1 trillion for the construction of the central railway line at standard gauge.