21 December, 2018: Air Tanzania, the flag carrier airline of Tanzania has become the first African carrier to receive Airbus A220 aircraft, the newest addition to the Airbus family of commercial aircraft. Representatives from the airline as well as officials from the United Republic of Tanzania Government alongside executives from the A220 programme celebrated the aircraft handover at the A220 Mirabel assembly line. Air Tanzania becomes the fifth airline globally with an A220 family aircraft.
“The A220 unrivalled passenger comfort combined with its remarkable performance and economics will be an excellent asset to further develop Air Tanzania’s network,” said Tito Kasambala, Acting CEO, Tanzanian Government Flight Agency (TGFA).
The A220 will allow Air Tanzania to further develop its domestic and regional market as well as launch new routes to India and the Middle East from its home base Dar es Salaam.
“With the addition of the A220 in our fleet we are confident that we will expand our footprint in the growing African markets and beyond, as we unlock additional routes and regain our position as a key player in the African air transport market,” added Ladislaus Matindi, Managing Director & CEO, Air Tanzania Company Limited.
“After Europe, Asia and America, we are proud to see the A220 fly now also on the African continent and in Air Tanzania’s livery. With over 240 Airbus aircraft flying in Africa and a large network of flight service offices in the region, we are ready to contribute to the airline’s success,” said Philippe Balducchi, CEO of the A220 partnership.