The new Boeing B787, with a 262-passenger capacity, was to join Air Tanzania’s fleet, boosting its capacity and routes. Photo: Courtesy
By
Adonis Byemelwa
Dar
es Salaam: Zanzibar's aviation scene was set for a milestone
event on Monday, August 19, 2024, with the debut of the Boeing B787 Dreamliner.
However, severe weather conditions have led to an unexpected delay. The
aircraft, scheduled to land at 4:00 PM and be greeted by President Dr. Hussein
Mwinyi at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, will now arrive at a later
time.
In
a statement issued on August 19, 2024, Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL)
acknowledged the situation: "The weather challenge has caused a change in
the flight schedule, and a new arrival time will be announced. Air Tanzania
Company Limited apologizes for the inconvenience."
Deputy
Director Raqey Mohamed from the Directorate of Presidential Communications in
Zanzibar also expressed regret. On behalf of the Zanzibar Revolutionary
Government, he stated, "We apologize for the disruption caused to the
public."
The
Dreamliner, marking the third Boeing B787-8 in Tanzania's fleet, represents a
significant upgrade. With a capacity of 262 passengers—22 in business class and
240 in economy—it also boasts a cargo capacity of 15 to 20 tons, depending on
load.
This
addition to the fleet is part of a broader revitalization effort that began in
2016. Since then, Air Tanzania has undergone substantial changes, including
fleet expansions, management overhauls, and significant capital investments.
By
December 2023, ATCL’s fleet included 14 new aircraft: two Boeing 787-8
Dreamliners, two Boeing 737-9 Max jets, four Airbus A220-300s, five Dash 8
Q400s, and a Boeing 767-300F cargo plane.
Despite
these advancements, the airline has faced ongoing financial challenges. The
Controller and Auditor General (CAG) reported consistent losses over the past
five years. The latest audit for the 2021/22 fiscal year revealed a loss of
Sh30.63 billion, which was partially offset by a government grant. Without this
intervention, losses could have reached Sh65.86 billion.
These
financial struggles reflect broader issues within Tanzanian aviation. On
November 6, 2022, a Precision Air flight crashed into Lake Victoria in Kagera
Region, revealing serious safety and operational problems within the industry.
Another
incident on February 29, 2024, further highlighted these issues. An aircraft
emitted smoke, leading to confusion and controversy. The Mwananchi
newspaper's ‘misleading coverage’ intensified public and official backlash.
In
response, ATCL CEO Ladislaus Matindi addressed the media, clarifying that the
smoke was due to increased engine temperature and excess oil, not a fire.
Matindi
explained, "The presence of smoke did not imply a fire and was promptly
expelled through the aircraft's ventilation system. The situation inside the
aircraft was not alarming, and safety measures were taken immediately."
Emmanuel
Tivai, ATCL's Head of Aircraft Safety, emphasized the commonality of such
incidents in transportation. "The crucial aspect is the actions taken
post-occurrence. Standard procedures involve grounding the aircraft for
inspection by engineers to ensure passenger safety. We followed these measures
precisely."
The
incident occurred against the backdrop of political tensions. Zitto Kabwe,
leader of ACT-Wazalendo, claimed that six of ATCL’s aircraft were
non-operational due to malfunctions. Matindi refuted this claim, stating,
"Only three planes faced issues—two with technical engine problems and one
with legal challenges. Out of the 11 aircraft, eight were operational and
serving various routes, including destinations in India and China."
As
Air Tanzania continues to expand and modernize its fleet, the financial
challenges remain a significant concern. The recent delay of the Dreamliner
serves as a reminder of the ongoing difficulties in the aviation sector, from
weather disruptions to financial instability.
The
airline’s progress in fleet enhancement highlights its commitment to improving
services, but persistent financial losses highlight the need for continued
reforms and better management practices.
The
delay of the Boeing B787 Dreamliner and the ongoing financial and operational
challenges faced by Air Tanzania illustrates the complex landscape of Tanzanian
aviation. As the industry navigates these turbulent skies, resilience and
adaptability will be crucial in overcoming the hurdles and achieving long-term
stability.
