Dar es Salaam – The parliamentary committee on Infrastructure has directed the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) to accelerate the construction of a state-of-the-art Civil Aviation Training Centre (CATC).
The new training center would help improve aviation training facilities in the country to international standards.
During an inspection visit on March 18, the Committee’s chairman, Mr Selemani Kakoso, said a previous assessment had highlighted several infrastructural challenges, with outdated equipment and inadequate learning spaces hindering effective training.
“TCAA must take swift action to ensure that students receive high-quality education in a conducive learning environment,” Mr Kakoso said.
The Sh78 billion project is scheduled to commence in June 2025.
TCAA director general, Mr Salim Msangi, said the tendering process was launched in January 2025.
Among six bidders who showed interest, three firms have been shortlisted, with their proposals set to be opened on March 24, 2025.
Mr Msangi noted that contract agreements are expected to be finalised by early May, paving the way for initial payments and the official start of construction.
“Once completed, the new CATC buildings will feature modern classrooms, state-of-the-art equipment, and practical training areas, significantly enhancing the quality of aviation education in Tanzania,” Mr Msangi said.
The improved infrastructure is also expected to attract both local and international students, further contributing to the growth of the aviation sector in East and Central Africa.
This development comes at a time when Tanzania’s aviation industry is experiencing rapid growth.
TCAA projects a sharp increase in air passenger numbers, from two million during the COVID-19 pandemic to an estimated seven million in the near future.
The surge follows government efforts to bolster airport security, upgrade communication systems, and promote tourism, particularly through initiatives such as the Royal Tour film.
Mr Msangi told seminar participants on separate occasions this week that additional measures taken to modernise the sector include the expansion of Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL)’s fleet to 16 aircraft and the adoption of the Aviation System Block Upgrade (ASBU) framework, as recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The ASBU framework aims to improve aviation safety, interoperability, and efficiency on a global scale.
With ongoing improvements in airport infrastructure, air navigation systems, and aviation training, Tanzania is poised to become a regional hub for air travel.
The government’s investment in modern facilities such as the new CATC buildings is a crucial step towards ensuring that the country’s aviation sector remains competitive and capable of meeting international industry demands.
