Aircraft manufacturer Bombardier has signed a $200m agreement with the United Republic of Tanzania represented by the Tanzanian Government Flight Agency (TGFA) for the delivery of two CS300 jetliners and one Q400 turboprop aircraft.

The new aircraft will be leased to and operated by Air Tanzania, which is based in Dar es Salaam.

"We are delighted that the Q400 aircraft which entered service with Air Tanzania earlier this year are proving their superior economics and versatility."

Similar to the two Q400 turboprop aircraft that were delivered to the TGFA in September for lease and operation by Air Tanzania, the third aircraft will be an all-economy plane with 76-seat interior.

The two CS300 airliners will have a dual-class layout and be equipped with Wi-Fi internet and in-flight entertainment.

Tanzania’s Ministry of Works Communications and Transport Permanent Secretary Leonard Chamuriho said: “The domestic market in Tanzania, as well as the regional market are becoming more competitive as both business and leisure travel are steadily increasing.

“Therefore, it is vital to operate aircraft that offer superb passenger comfort and amenities. Of course, high reliability, operational flexibility, as well as excellent fuel efficiency and economics are also necessary. Both the Q400 and CS300 aircraft more than satisfy these parameters.”

Apart from this order, Bombardier has also received a firm order for 566 Q400 and 360 C Series aircraft.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft Africa and the Middle East sales vice-president Jean-Paul Boutibou said: “We are delighted that the Q400 aircraft which entered service with Air Tanzania earlier this year are proving their superior economics and versatility.

“The CS300 aircraft will allow Air Tanzania to expand both its domestic and regional markets, and it has the range to open new international destinations such as the Middle East and India at the lowest cost. The C Series jet aircraft have the right attributes to develop these markets.”


Image:  Bombardier to provide two CS300 jetliners and one Q400 turboprop aircraft to TGFA. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.