Air Tanzania launches flights to Uganda

Air Tanzania launches flights to Uganda
Air Tanzania extended its services to Entebbe International Airport with its inaugural flight on Sunday, August 26.

Tanzania’s national carrier “Air Tanzania” has launched direct flights to Entebbe International Airport. This follows the decision by Tanzania to revival its national carrier, which saw the country purchase of Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners in July, 2018.

The carrier, which has started making four direct flights to Entebbe every week, will also be flying to the Burundian Capital, Bujumbura. Air Tanzania last made direct flights to Entebbe International Airport five years ago.

Vianney Luggya, the Public Relations Officer Civil Aviation Authority, says Air Tanzania is one of the five new carriers flying to Entebbe International Airport following an increase in traffic to the country.

In a statement released by the Managing Director and CEO of Air Tanzania; Eng. Ladislaus Matindi said that, “The Wings of Kilimanjaro is proud to once again serve East Africa with direct flights and smooth connections to and from Tanzania. The service will enhance investment, trade and tourism opportunities in the region.”

Passenger traffic in and out of the country increased from 1.5 million in 2016 to 1.6 million people in 2017. According to Luggya, generally the demand for air transport services has increased, which is attracting new operators.

According to Luggya, four other companies including include Kush Air, Uga Wings, Africana International and Uganda Airlines have applied to operate in Uganda.

Luggya says the increase in air traffic prompted the rehabilitation and expansion of Entebbe International Airport. The first phase of the works, which include the construction of a new terminal building, a cargo center and expanded terminal will be complete by 2021.

Air Tanzania is the flag carrier airline of Tanzania based in Dar es Salaam with its hub at Julius Nyerere International Airport. It was established in 1977 and has been a member of the African Airlines Association since its inception.

Air Tanzania is a wholly owned government company that has served a variety of domestic, regional and international destinations over the years. The airline operates a fleet of 5 aircrafts including a Boeing 787-7 Dreamliner to meet performance, dependability and comfort.

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