Newly relaunched manufacturer De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (De Havilland Canada) has secured its first firm order for its Dash 8-400 aircraft.

The order was signed by the Tanzanian Government Flight Agency (TGFA) and the aircraft will be leased to and operated by Air Tanzania.

The aircraft will be the fifth to join the airline’s existing fleet of three Dash 8-400 planes. Air Tanzania has previously ordered for a fourth Dash 8-400.

The aircraft layout will be in a dual-lavatory configuration and feature 78 seats.

Air Tanzania chief executive officer Ladislaud Matindi said: “Our current fleet of three Dash 8-400 aircraft is performing very well and offering excellent passenger amenities.

“We are very satisfied with the Dash 8-400 aircraft’s low operating costs and reliable operations in our high-utilisation environment, and we look forward to the additional capacity that this new aircraft and another one that is scheduled for delivery soon will provide.”

The Dash 8-400 is the only turboprop aircraft that can accommodate up to 90 passengers.

The Canadian company is also planning to strengthen its position in North American and European markets.

Reintroduced by Longview Aviation Capital, De Havilland Canada is also a member of European Regions Airline Association.

De Havilland Canada chief operating officer Todd Young said: “We are delighted to announce the United Republic of Tanzania as the signatory to our first purchase agreement following De Havilland Canada’s relaunch in June 2019.

“The Dash 8-400 aircraft is the world’s most advanced and most productive turboprop, and our announcement of this firm order, which will increase Air Tanzania’s fleet to five, signals the carrier’s confidence in the future of our aircraft programme.”