ATCL, KQ in talks to forge partnership for boosting efficiency
KENYA Airways (KQ) has initiated talks with Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) to explore areas where the two airlines can partner to boost operational efficiency.
This comes as ATCL expects to receive its first Boeing 767-300 freighter, with a capacity of 54 tonnes, by the end of this month.
This was revealed yesterday by the KQ Chief Executive, Mr Allan Kilavuka at the meeting with ATCL Chief Executive (CEO) Eng Ladislaus Matindi that brought together other officials from the two companies.
Mr Kilavuka said after the talks, “Soon Tanzania will receive its first ever cargo plane, which we expect will help in addressing cargo transportation challenges, especially at large volumes,”
“From the available freight, equipment, and expertise if used properly, we will increase the value and reduce the operating costs of both ATCL and KQ. The presence of the Boeing 787-8 (Dreamliner) and the arrival of the Boeing 767-300F cargo plane opened up more commercial opportunities,”
On his part, the ATCL Managing Director, Mr Ladislaus Matindi said during the meeting with the KQ management, they discussed matters that would contribute to the development of the two airlines and their nations, taking into account the significant demands of the global market.
He added that the exchange of knowledge and the delivery of hands-on training without the assistance of other nations are two areas where cooperation is aimed to improve operational effectiveness.
“The African market alone is very large and requires cooperation to exploit it, especially the service of transporting passengers and cargo.
“We also talked about getting practical training, which now necessitates sending experts to nations throughout Europe for two or three days of training. If this education can be found in the neighbouring countries, it will be better to raise the capacity of the two companies and bring more productivity to the society around them,” Mr Matindi said.
He said that the anticipated cargo jet will arrive on schedule since demand is only going to increase as trade and commercial activity increase.
In addition to perishable commodities, general cargo services, chicks and fish, pharmaceutical services, newspapers and magazines, precious cargo, express packages, postal and courier services, hazardous objects, and human remains are all anticipated to be carried from Tanzania.
