During the Land-Linked Zambia Conference, African Pilot Magazine editor Phillippa Dean had a quick catch-up with Tanzania’s Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Prof. Makame Mbarawa, to discuss developments in Tanzania’s aviation sector.
Hon. Mbarawa highlights the impressive strides made by Air Tanzania, which has purchased 16 new aircraft over the past five years without leasing. The airline has expanded its international network to Guangzhou (China), Mumbai (India), Dubai (UAE), as well as regional destinations including Lusaka (Zambia), Lubumbashi (DR Congo), Nairobi (Kenya), Moroni (Comoros), Johannesburg (South Africa), with new routes to Kinshasa (DR Congo) and Lagos (Nigeria) planned. There are also possible plans to lease additional aircraft.
Beyond aviation operations, the Minister shares updates on the construction of seven new airports across Tanzania, including major progress at Msalato International Airport (currently 94% complete), developments at Tabora, Sumbawanga, Shinyanga, and the construction of passenger terminals at Mtwara and Lindi, among other projects.
