Air Tanzania, based in Dar es Salaam, has welcomed its first widebody freighter, marking a significant milestone for the airline’s cargo operations. The new aircraft, a Boeing 767-300F with the registration 5H-TCO, arrived in East Africa on June 3, following its handover to the Tanzanian Government Flight (TGF) from the manufacturer, Boeing, in Everett, USA.
Enhanced Trade Opportunities and Reduced Costs
The acquisition of the widebody freighter is expected to bring substantial benefits to Tanzania’s farmers and traders. Works and Transport Minister Makame Mbarawa explained that the new aircraft will enable local farmers to export various products such as fish, meat, flowers, vegetables, and fruits to markets across Africa, Europe, and Asia. This will eliminate the need for relying on foreign operators, thereby reducing costs for traders.
Minister Mbarawa highlighted that the operational launch of the freighter, expected in July after the completion of regulatory procedures, will open up new routes. The initial destinations for 5H-TCO include Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta (Kenya), Dubai (UAE), Mumbai International (India), Entebbe/Kampala (Uganda), Guangzhou (China), Lusaka (Zambia), Harare International (Zimbabwe), and Kinshasa N’Djili (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Additionally, the aircraft will be available for charters to cater to increased demand.
Air Tanzania’s expanding fleet comprises four A220-300s (three stored), two B787-8s, one Dash 8-300 (stored), and five Dash 8-400s, all of which are leased from TGF. Furthermore, the airline has plans to acquire two B737-9s in August and December 2023, as well as another B787-8 in February 2024. Minister Mbarawa hinted at the potential procurement of a B737-7 and an additional Dash 8-400, although no official orders have been announced yet.
The introduction of the Boeing 767-300F into Air Tanzania’s fleet marks a significant step towards strengthening the country’s cargo operations and promoting domestic trade. By enabling local farmers and traders to access new markets with reduced costs, the widebody freighter opens up opportunities for economic growth and development.
