Competition in Tanzania’s aviation sector intensifies as ATCL re-launches direct flights to Comoros

The Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) Acting Commercial Director Mwananvua  Ngocho  (centre) shakes hands with officials from Comoros Civil Aviation Authority shortly after landing at Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport at Hahaya , Comoros yesterday. Photo by Staff Photographer.

By Staff Reporter

AIR Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) yesterday re-launched its Dar Es Salaam –Hahaya (Comoros) route as part of the company’s five-year development strategy that seeks to increase the company’s fleet and frequency. The national flag carrier suspended its Dar Es Salaam –Hahaya route in 2008.

This may not be good news to Private airliner Precision Air that launched the same route barely two weeks ago.  Speaking shortly after arrival at Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport at Hahaya , Comoros yesterday, the ATCL Acting Commercial Director Mwanamvua Ngocho said ATCL would operate four frequencies each week for the new route promising unbeatable services.

“We have today re-launched the Dar es Salam-Comoros destination as our first international flight since we resumed services two months ago. We have decided to re-launch the route to effectively utilize our 108-seater Boeing 700-500 plane.

“We have chosen to embark on the route because of its strategic importance to the country .We believe our efforts will help improve bilateral relations between the two countries as well as help to increase balance of trade between the two countries as well as offering a gateway for passengers from Comoros to connect to further destinations via Dar Es Salaam,’ she said.

Mwanamvua said her company still has plans to embark on more regional and international destinations that include Dar Es Salaam –Lusaka, Dar Es Salaam- Johannesburg among others urging that such plan will be a reality upon securing another plane.

“We are already in talks to secure another plane that will help us to embark on international flights. We will in some cases enter into joint ventures and partnerships with regional airlines to enable us achieve this.

“We thank Tanzanians for the patriotism and faith they have vested in us since we resumed services. Our mission is to be the preferred airline within the country within a few years to come,’’ she added.

Mwanamvua said there will be so many trade opportunities that will be realized with the company’s resumption of services at Comoros thus calling upon Tanzanians to embrace such opportunities.

“Most of the goods consumed here in Comores originate from Tanzania. People should utilize this chance since ATCL will be there not only to provide affordable but reliable services as well,” she said.