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Air Tanzania launches Dodoma flights
Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) yesterday launched its first direct flights to Dodoma from Dar es Salaam in a historic event that will promote business and travel ties between the two cities and upcountry regions.
Launching the route yesterday, Prime Minister Mr Kassim Majaliwa said the development is part of the government decision to enable Dodoma become a fully administrative capital for the country.
"Negotiations are progressing well to build an international airport in Msalato. All the processes are indeed going on well," he announced at a gathering shortly after ATCL plane made its first landing on Dodoma soil from Dar es Salaam.
ATCL will operate twice a week scheduled flights using its Bombardier Dash 8 Q400, stretched to 78 passengers. The fleet is scheduled to be connecting to Kigoma every Monday and Friday.
The premier explained that the government will continue expanding and renovating Dodoma Airport and the airstrip after all the legible residents are fully compensated as per the law. "We're opening up new opportunities for Dodoma residents, this will give Dodoma a deserving status as the country's capital.
Mr Majaliwa reaffirmed the government commitment to the national flag carrier but challenged ATCL management to maintain an opposed customer service which fit to international standards.
The new flights schedule which was announced to be cheap at a price of 180,000/- is set to raise a serious challenge to other route operators whose fares are as high as 400,000/-.
"It's high time that business people, government officials and ordinary people start flying with Air Tanzania," The occasion was also attended by the former prime minister Mr John Malecela, the National Assembly Speaker Mr Job Ndugai, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister (Policy, Parliament, Youth, Employments and the Disabled) Ms Jenista Mhagama and the Dodoma Regional Commissioner (RC) Mr Jordan Rugimbana.
Credit: allafrica.com
