Dar es Salaam. In an exclusive interview with The BizLens on Monday, December 2, 2024, aviation experts shared their insights on the newly resumed flights between Tanzania and South Africa, following a five-year hiatus.
The resumption, effective from November 30, 2024, marks a significant milestone for Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), bolstering the airline’s position in the region and bringing numerous economic and tourism benefits.
Mr Juma Fimbo, a seasoned aviation expert with 40 years of experience, cautiously welcomed the news of the resumed flights.
He emphasized that, to truly dominate the route, Air Tanzania must focus on providing an exceptional customer experience.
“ATCL should create a strong relationship with customers by offering high-class service,” Mr. Fimbo advised.
He further added that the airline’s modern fleet, comprising 16 aircraft, should be leveraged to attract more passengers and build lasting loyalty.
This strategic advice echoes the importance of customer satisfaction in the competitive aviation market.
For ATCL, winning over travelers isn’t just about offering flights, it’s about crafting a journey that resonates with passengers’ expectations for comfort and convenience.
Supporting this view, Mr Jimray Nangawe, another aviation expert with 23 years of experience, highlighted the strategic significance of the South Africa route.
“The route is vital for enhancing movement of people and goods between Tanzania and South Africa,” Mr Nangawe explained.
He emphasized that the route’s introduction of the Boeing 737-9 MAX will provide business and leisure travelers with a modern and comfortable flying experience.
With its 16 Business Class and 165 Economy Class seats, the aircraft is set to cater to both high-end corporate customers and everyday passengers.
Moreover, Mr Nangawe pointed out that the resumption of this route expands ATCL’s growing network, which already includes destinations like Dubai, Mumbai, Nairobi, Mwanza, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar.
“If ATCL maximizes the potential of its modern fleet, Tanzania could see a significant boost in tourism,” he added, noting that the direct flight would make travel easier and more attractive for international visitors.
His sentiments were echoed by Mr Gaudence Temu, an aviation expert with 30 years of experience.
He emphasized that the resumed South Africa route would enhance trade, especially in tourism.
“With the resumed flights, passengers will now enjoy smoother travel, which will attract more visitors,” he noted.
Beyond the passenger experience, the resumption is also set to benefit a ground handling company.
Swissport, a key service provider for ATCL, is expected to see increased business opportunities due to the heightened activity at both Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
This uptick in airline activity will further contribute to Tanzania’s economic growth, creating a ripple effect throughout the local economy.
The new route, which is served by five weekly flights—on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays—marks a game-changer for business and tourism relations between Tanzania and South Africa.
As noted during the relaunch event, the modern Boeing 737-9 MAX will reduce travel time between Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg from the previous 6-7 hours, via connecting flights, to just 3 hours and 15 minutes.
This offers passengers a more direct and time-efficient means of travel, a crucial factor for business travelers with tight schedules.
Prof Makame Mbarawa, Tanzania’s Transport Minister, stressed the importance of optimizing international flight routes to meet market demand.
“By reassessing our international flight routes, we will see growth in the aviation industry and the nation as a whole,” he said, further noting that the new route will create significant opportunities for business collaboration between Tanzania and South Africa while boosting tourism.
ATCL Managing Director Peter Ulanga echoed this sentiment, calling the relaunch of the Johannesburg route a significant step in enhancing the travel network between the two nations.
“We are honored to resume this crucial route, which will not only strengthen business, tourism, and cultural ties between Tanzania and South Africa, but also open new opportunities for the region,” Mr Ulanga said.
As ATCL continues to expand its presence across Africa, this newly reinstated route demonstrates the airline’s commitment to connecting key business and tourism destinations.
For travelers, the convenience of direct flights and the enhanced service on board promises a future of smoother, faster, and more enjoyable journeys between Tanzania and South Africa.
The relationship between these two nations is set to grow stronger than ever, opening the door for new partnerships and ventures, ultimately benefiting both economies and their people.
