The Tanzanian government has ordered four new planes to boost its national carrier’s capability in Africa and abroad.
On Tuesday, at the 2021 Dubai Airshow, Boeing and Tanzania announced an order of a 787-8 Dreamliner, a 767-300 Freighter and two 737 MAX jets.
The airplanes, valued at more than $726 million at list prices, will be operated by Air Tanzania.
The planes will help expand service from the country to new markets across Africa, Asia and Europe.
“Our flagship 787 Dreamliner is popular with our passengers, providing unrivalled in-flight comfort and ultra-efficiency for our long-haul growth,” said Air Tanzania CEO Ladislaus Matindi.
Mr Matindi said 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.
Based in Dar es Salaam, the carrier will expand its current fleet of 787s, leveraging the new 737s for its regional network and the 767 Freighter to capitalise on Africa’s burgeoning cargo demand.
Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales & Marketing, Ihssane Mounir, said the procurement of the four airplanes will boost air travel for the Tanzanian national carrier.
“Africa is the third fastest-growing region worldwide for air travel, and Air Tanzania is well-positioned to increase connectivity and expand tourism throughout Tanzania. We are honoured that Air Tanzania has chosen Boeing for its fleet modernisation programme by adding an additional 787 and introducing the 737 MAX and the 767 Freighter into its expanding network,” Mr Mounir said.
Boeing’s 2021 Commercial Market Outlook forecasts that, by 2040, Africa’s airlines will require 1,030 new airplanes valued at $160 billion and aftermarket services such as manufacturing and repair worth $235 billion, supporting growth in air travel and economies across the continent.
Boeing’s heritage in Africa began more than 75 years ago, with more than 60 airline customers operating as many as 500 Boeing airplanes.
Boeing has an office in Johannesburg, South Africa, in addition to field service representatives supporting commercial customers across the continent.
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries.
As a top US exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.
Source: The East African
