DAR ES SALAAM: PRECISION Air (PW) launched a new passenger route yesterday, connecting Dar es Salaam to Iringa via Dodoma, a move set to boost regional economic and business activities.
The new service significantly reduces travel time, with passengers now reaching Iringa from Dar es Salaam in just 1 hour and 50 minutes, compared to over 8 hours by bus.
Precision Air’s Managing Director, Mr Patrick Mwanri, emphasised that the new service will open up fresh opportunities for residents, investors and businesses in the region.
“This region holds significant potential, with opportunities across economic, business and social sectors.
Our services will help stimulate these activities, especially in tourism, given the many attractions here,” Mr Mwanri stated during the launch event at Nduli Airport.
With this move, Precision Air becomes the second major airline to offer flights to Iringa, joining Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), which resumed flights to the region on last month after airport renovations, were completed.
The company, which operates a fleet of eight aircraft serving eleven destinations across Tanzania, has seen steady year-over-year growth in passenger numbers, rising from approximately 380,000 in 2022 to 490,000 last year.
Mr Mwanri attributes this growth to enhanced services and strategic route expansion. He also noted that the new flights are set to significantly boost tourism in Iringa and surrounding regions, helping promote the largely untapped Southern Tourism Circuit.
“We aim to support the growth of the tourism sector, particularly in under promoted areas like Ruaha National Park, which is internationally renowned,” he added.
The Deputy Minister for Transport, Mr David Kihenzile, said the new flights are a result of significant improvements to the airport, which cost around 63bn/-. He highlighted that the service would stimulate the economy and business activity, urging investors to seize the newly available opportunities.
“Thanks to the government’s major upgrades, today we witness the launch of these flights, which will ease travel for entrepreneurs and investors, opening up investment and business prospects,” he said.
Upgrades to the airport include a new runway, aircraft parking areas and lighting, enabling 24-hour operations.
Mr Kihenzile also encouraged both local and foreign investors to continue investing in aviation, citing growing demand for aircraft to serve newly built and upgraded airports across the country.
He noted that over 1.1tri/- has been invested in these projects, with the Njombe region set to begin construction of its own airport soon.
Additionally, a new passenger terminal is planned for Iringa airport, following approval from President Samia Suluhu Hassan in December. Local residents have expressed optimism about the new service.
A business owner from Kilolo District, Ms Emile Tweve, called the flights a game-changer for trade and logistics.
“Business in Dar es Salaam operates around the clock and with these flights, we can now travel quickly and return without exhaustion,” she said
