DAR ES SALAAM, Dec 27 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — 2023 will remain in memories of all Tanzanians especially to exporters and importers of perishable goods as the country received its first-ever cargo plane, Boeing 767-300 for Air Tanzania Limited (ATCL).
The development not only made it easier and more convenient for traders to transport their products but also diversifying the country’s economy.
With capacity of carrying 54 tonnes of cargo, the plane has been a solution to cargo transportation in Tanzania and Africa at large.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan led other leaders and citizens at the receiving ceremony of the first-ever cargo plane at the Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam, in which she extended thanks to all Tanzanians for their support.
Dr Samia urged wananchi to continue praying for government leaders to fulfil their noble role of collecting revenues which are critical in executing various development projects including further modernisation of the country’s airline.
She hinted on the government plan of procuring another cargo plane in the near future.
“My pledge to Tanzania is that the government will continue working on all challenges, we need your support and prayers for us to be able to collect more revenue and implement development projects,” Dr Samia said.
The first ever cargo plane landed at the JNIA from the United States of America(USA) at 2.57 pm, where the team of pilots who flew the plane cargo was led by Tanzanian Captain, Ms Neema Swai.
Ms Swai made history as the first Tanzanian pilot to fly the cargo plane Boeing 767-300.
“I was very excited and honoured to fly Boeing 767-300F, the first cargo-only aircraft in Africa,” she said after her historic landing.
At the ceremony, Minister for Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa said operation of the just arrived cargo plane targeted at stimulating business between Tanzania and other countries in Africa and beyond.
Prof Mbarawa said procurement of the cargo plane is part of implementation of President Samia’s vision of economic diplomacy and multilateral cooperation.
“The ministry will continue implementing all development strategies which will strengthen ATCL’s operation to compete in the aviation markets,” he said.
Prof Mbarawa said his ministry will cooperate with the private sector for cargo airlifted by ATCL to arrive at their destination in time for business and economic development.
“This will be a great opportunity for Tanzanians to export their products abroad for economic gains,” Prof Mbarawa said.
He said the cargo plane presence implies no exporters will be bound to transport his/her goods through long routes to outside markets.
ATCL’s Managing Director, Eng Ladislaus Matindi said the new cargo plane Boeing 767-300F will significantly reduce costs for exporting cargo, mainly agricultural, fisheries and livestock products.
He said the plane has a range of 11,070 kilometres, fuel-efficient 90,770 litres and a speed of 850 kilometres per hour.
Eng Matindi said as of October this year, the cargo plane which kicked off in July carried a total of 337 tonnes of cargo, with a projection of 4,800 tonnes of cargo by June 2024.
He called upon all Tanzanians to effectively use the aircraft as ATCL improves every day to bring world class service delivery closer to them.
As the year ends, the ATCL has a total of 14 aircrafts from which 13 are passenger. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
