Former CAG advises govt on enhancing ATCL
DAR ES SALAAM: THE former Controller and Auditor General (CAG), Mr Ludovick Utoh, has advised the government to strengthen Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) and improve its efficiency by adopting successful business models from other aviation companies.
The former CAG made the remarks yesterday in Dar es Salaam during the launch of the book titled ‘ATCL Business Model: The Sweet and Sour’ that details the struggles and achievements of ATCL, emphasising that such approach will enable the company to significantly contribute to the national economy.
“ATCL has great significance for Tanzania’s economy, so having a strong ATCL will also strengthen the national economy.
It must operate as a business entity to grow and stabilise,” said Mr Utoh.
He suggested that if ATCL adopts successful business models from aviation companies like Ethiopian Airlines and Singapore Airlines and operates as a government business entity free from political interference, it could generate more income for the nation.
Mr Utoah added: “ATCL should follow the business model of Ethiopian Airlines and Singapore Airlines, which allows airlines to manage aviation issues independently.
This approach will enable ATCL to create more value and reduce operational costs.”
He noted that the book outlines various achievements of ATCL since 2016, including the increase in government owned aircraft, the number of local pilots and the rise in local passengers using the airline.
Mr Utoah suggested that using more small aircraft for domestic travel would be more cost-effective compared to operating larger, more expensive aircraft.
“Deploying small aircraft for domestic transportation between regions would help save costs, while reserving large aircraft for international routes,” he added.
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One of the book’s authors, Mr Jesse Kwayu, emphasised the role of editors in documenting national developments.
“We write to keep a record of events in the country.
As editors, we have a responsibility to promote accountability and good governance,” Mr. Kwayu noted.
Mr Kwayu highlighted that ATCL’s fleet of 15 aircraft has significantly improved air transportation within the country.
“Passenger numbers have increased from 35,000 to 1,000,000 per year, allowing the airline to reach different parts of the country,” Mr Kwayu said.
In the 2024/25 budget presentation, Minister for Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa outlined that improvement measures at ATCL aim to boost management efficiency and enhance service delivery for both local and international markets.
This includes improving services for passengers, cargo, tourism, minerals, agriculture and the transportation of perishable goods.
ATCL, a government owned airline, operates a fleet of 16 aircraft: one Dash 8-Q300, five Dash 8-Q400, four Airbus A220-300, two Boeing 737 Max 9, three Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners and one Boeing 767-300F (Cargo Freighter).
The book, ‘ATCL Business Model: The Sweet and Sour’, has been authored by Ansbert Ngurumo, Jesse Kwayu, Neville Meena and Absalom Kibanda, all of whom are editors and media professionals.
