Air Tanzania has taken delivery of its first Airbus A220, becoming the initial African operator to receive the twinjet type.
The airline received the jet during a handover ceremony at the Mirabel assembly line in Montreal.
Air Tanzania becomes the fifth operator of the A220 behind Air Baltic, Swiss, Korean Air and Delta Air Lines.
Tanzanian government flight agency acting chief Tito Kasambala says the aircraft has “remarkable performance and economics” and will be an “excellent asset” for the flag-carrier.
It will be used on domestic and regional routes from Dar es Salaam and will support the opening of new connections to the Middle East and India.
In January 2019, Air Tanzania will receive another Airbus A220-300, specially designed and created for the 130 to 160 seat markets.
Since 2015 when he assumed office, president John Magufuli has given priority to investments in Air Tanzania to revive the unprofitable company and boost the tourism sector, which is one of the country’s main sources of foreign currency.
Since 2016, Air Tanzania has received four aircraft including a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
