The aviation industry in Tanzania is soaring to new heights, but a shortage of skilled personnel, particularly pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers, poses a significant challenge.
According to the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), the country currently has 603 licensed pilots, of which 344 are Tanzanian nationals, while the remainder are expatriates. With the demand for pilots standing at 755, the sector faces a deficit of 152 pilots.
To address this, the TCAA Training Fund, established under the Civil Aviation Act, is enabling aspiring aviation professionals to acquire specialized training and qualifications.
The fund, governed by the Civil Aviation (Contribution and Administration of the Training Fund) Regulations, 2013, has been pivotal in reducing the financial barriers to entering this high-demand industry.
New graduates take off
This year, eight pilots and one aircraft maintenance engineer successfully completed their training, funded by the TCAA Training Fund.
The pilots commenced their studies in 2019 at a flight training academy in Uganda, completing the program in Tanzania by 2024.
Meanwhile, the aircraft maintenance engineer trained in Ethiopia starting in 2022 and graduated shortly thereafter.
An additional 10 trainees, currently enrolled in aviation programs in Ethiopia since 2023, are expected to graduate by early 2025.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony, Ms. Wadh-Hat Hamid, one of the newly qualified pilots, expressed gratitude for the support provided by the fund.
"Each of us incurred costs exceeding TZS 200 million for the training—an amount we could not have afforded without the scholarship. I encourage other aspiring aviators to seize this opportunity when the application window opens," she said.
Bridging the talent gap
The TCAA plans to sponsor another cohort of aviation trainees in 2025, targeting both ab initio pilot training and aircraft engineering programs.
"The graduates funded through the Training Fund represent a crucial investment in the future of Tanzania’s aviation sector. We urge airline operators to prioritize employing these newly certified professionals," said TCAA Director General Salim Msangi.
However, the gap in aviation professionals is expected to widen as the industry continues to grow at an unprecedented rate.
Tanzania’s aviation sector has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade. In 2016, the national carrier operated a single 50-seater aircraft. By 2024, the fleet has expanded to 16 aircraft, reflecting substantial investment in the industry.
Currently, 46 local air operators and 23 international airlines serve the Tanzanian market. Passenger volumes have also surged, rebounding from 2.8 million passengers annually during the COVID-19 pandemic to 6.8 million in 2023.
The TCAA projects handling 7.8 million passengers in 2024.
Adding to the momentum, four new international carriers are set to enter the Tanzanian market in the coming year, further fueling demand for skilled aviation professionals, including commercial pilots, first officers, and aircraft maintenance engineers.
The high costs of aviation training remain a significant barrier. On average, training a pilot costs over TZS 200 million, while training an aircraft engineer exceeds TZS 100 million.
Currently, many aspiring professionals must train abroad, as local training capacity is limited.
"To meet the growing demand, we must establish more aviation training institutions locally. This will not only reduce costs but also create more opportunities for Tanzanians to pursue careers in aviation," Msangi emphasized.
In addition to addressing the pilot and engineer shortage, the TCAA is focusing on emerging aviation roles, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones.
"We are educating the public on the safe and legal use of drones, including licensing and operational procedures, aligning with global aviation trends," Msangi said.
The TCAA marked International Civil Aviation Day (ICAD) on December 7, 2024, by honoring the achievements of newly trained professionals and raising public awareness about aviation's role in Tanzania's socio-economic development.
This year’s ICAD also celebrated the 80th anniversary of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
As part of the celebrations, the TCAA conducted outreach programs targeting secondary schools in Dar es Salaam, including Kibasila, Jangwani, Makongo, and Kwemba.
The initiative aimed to inspire young Tanzanians to consider careers in aviation. A virtual seminar titled "Meet the Professionals of Aviation" allowed participants to engage with industry experts and learn about career opportunities.
Call for stakeholder support
Msangi expressed gratitude to stakeholders contributing to the Training Fund and called for continued support.
"The success of these young professionals underscores the importance of investing in our local workforce. Together, we can sustain the momentum and ensure Tanzania’s aviation industry reaches new heights," he said.
As Tanzania’s aviation industry continues to grow, the TCAA is committed to fostering a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals.
By addressing training challenges and investing in local capacity, the Authority aims to position the country as a hub for aviation excellence in the region.
"These celebrations not only mark milestones but also reflect the progress of Tanzania’s aviation sector. We are on course to achieve greater connectivity, economic growth, and global recognition," Msangi concluded.