DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA is today set to attain another milestone in the aviation sector with the arrival of the Boeing 737- Max 9.
The plane, with a capacity of carrying 181 passengers, is scheduled to arrive at Terminal One of the Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) at 10 am.
The plane expands the Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) fleet to 15 aircraft. The fleet includes one Dash 8-Q300, five Dash 8-Q400, four Airbus A220-300, one Boeing 737-Max 9, two Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, and one Boeing 767-300F (Cargo Freighter).
During a press meeting on Monday, Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila, urged citizens to come out in large numbers to give the new plane a warm reception.
Mr Chalamila also encouraged various leaders to attend the plane’s reception, marking a significant feat in the government’s efforts to transform the country’s aviation sector.
“I would like to take this opportunity to invite government leaders, political parties, religious leaders, non-governmental organisations and citizens in general to participate in the reception of the plane,” Mr Chalamila said.
The Dar es Salaam RC stated that the plane is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the aviation sector in the country.
In June 2023, President Samia Suluhu Hassan led Tanzanians in welcoming the country’s first-ever cargo plane, the Boeing 767- 300F, while appealing for support to the government in bringing development to its people.
She underscored the government’s determination to generate more revenue for the execution of various development projects and programmes, including further improvements of the ATCL.
Dr Samia also promised to address a request by ATCL Managing Director, Engineer Ladislaus Matindi, to procure another cargo plane.
“My promise to Tanzania is that the government will continue addressing all challenges. We need your support and prayers to generate more revenue and implement development projects,” she said.