Tanzania has taken a groundbreaking step in the aviation industry by becoming the first country in East and Central Africa to establish a modern plant for assembling aircraft.
Located in Morogoro, the facility has already assembled four airplanes and boasts the capacity to produce Skyleader 400 and Skyleader 600 models for diverse purposes, including passenger transport, agricultural irrigation, and scientific research.
This milestone was highlighted during a visit by a delegation from the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) to the plant.
The Director of Airplanes Africa Limited, Eng. David Grolig emphasized the company’s commitment to providing high-quality services using cutting-edge technology.
Despite facing challenges in sourcing parts, the plant has positioned itself as a beacon of innovation in the aviation sector.
“Our strategy is not to invest in individual countries but to establish regional offices to serve Africa’s aviation needs comprehensively. We are beginning with East Africa and plan to expand to other parts of the continent,” Eng. Grolig explained, underlining the plant’s strategic role in serving Africa’s growing aviation demands.
The facility’s significance extends beyond its immediate output. It represents a broader vision of regional development, with Tanzania benefiting from advanced aviation services and training opportunities.
Eng. Grolig also noted that while the plant assembles aircraft, it does not manufacture parts, as this requires compliance with stringent international standards met by only two countries globally: China and Russia.
The plant’s impact on local talent development has been profound. Aircraft Quality Assurance Engineer Ms. Lilian Jackson shared that six Tanzanians have received specialized training in the Czech Republic, equipping them with essential skills in aircraft manufacturing.
“The presence of this aviation assembly plant contributes significantly to developing local expertise and positions Tanzania as a hub for aviation technology innovation. Six of us have already directly benefited from this initiative,” she said.
Tanzania Investment Centre’s Executive Director, Gilead Teri, attributed the establishment of the plant to the government’s concerted efforts to foster a favorable investment climate.
“This achievement reflects our focus on strategic industries and underscores the role of large-scale investments in driving economic growth. TIC has so far registered 901 projects, creating over 200,000 jobs for Tanzanians,” he noted.
The Morogoro plant not only marks a transformative chapter for Tanzania but also showcases the country’s potential as a rising leader in aviation technology on the global stage.
By facilitating knowledge transfer and innovation, the facility strengthens Tanzania’s industrial capabilities and enhances its reputation as an attractive destination for international investors.
The journey of Airplanes Africa Limited in Morogoro is a testament to the country’s ambition to soar to new heights in technological and economic development.