Dar es Salaam — Tanzania has made a down payment of Sh596.3 billion ($258.7 million) for the purchase of five aircraft for the national carrier Air Tanzania.

The order includes cargo planes, which are all expected to be delivered before the end of 2023.

Aviation industry sources told The EastAfrican that the funds were approved by the current government despite heavy losses incurred by the carrier under a revival programme initiated by former president John Magufuli and the effects of Covid-19 pandemic.

The planes, once they arrive in the country, will raise Air Tanzania's current fleet size to 16.

Source: https://allafrica.com/stories/202110180307.html