The financially embattled Air Tanzania has announced an order for four new Boeings: a 787-8, a 767-300 Freighter and two 737 MAXes.
The order, valued at more than $726 million at list prices, was previously listed as unidentified on the Boeing Orders and Deliveries website, pending the announcement of the orders at the Dubai Airshow.
In 2016, the Tanzanian government under President Magufuli had initiated a yet another attempt to resuscitate the repeatedly bankrupt national airline. The airline announced it intended to double its fleet to 14 aircraft by 2022 and increase its longhaul and regional routes.
Wikipedia notes that in April 2021, the Tanzanian Auditor General warned that Air Tanzania flights flying abroad run the risk of being impounded due to huge debts incurred by the company. He stated that the company had incurred losses of USD 65 million since 2016. However, in May 2021 the Government of Tanzania announced a bailout of USD 194 million for the airline.
“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.” Adding to our 787 fleet, 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,” he said.
“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,” said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales & Marketing. “We are honoured that Air Tanzania has chosen Boeing for its fleet modernization program by adding an additional 787 and introducing the 737 MAX and the 767 Freighter into its expanding network.”
Boeing’s 2021 Commercial Market Outlook forecasts that, by 2040, Africa’s airlines will require 1,030 new airliners 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.
Air Tanzania has announced it is to acquire another B787-8 and two 737-8 Max aircraft.
