TANZANIA'S
aviation
industry has reached a new milestone with the successful assembly of three
aircraft at the Morogoro Regional Airport plant. The facility, launched in
2021 by a Czech company, Airplane Africa Limited (AAL), marks its first African
aircraft assembly.
The assembled Skyleader
planes boast a passenger capacity of two to four.
"These aircraft
represent a significant achievement," declared Tanzania Airport Authority
(TAA) Director General Mussa Mbura during a press briefing Monday on March 18,
2024.
"The AAL investment
creates revenue opportunities for the government and fosters job creation for
Tanzanian citizens," said Mr Mbura.
Mr Mbura highlighted
plans for further expansion, stating, "The assembly of additional aircraft
is imminent. Notably, one such aircraft was previously showcased at the
Sabasaba industrial exhibition."
He emphasized the plant's
unique status, noting, "This facility is the sole AAL branch in Africa,
with their global network also encompassing branches in the Czech Republic,
Germany, China, and Russia."
Prof Godius Kahyrara, the
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, visited the plant in 2023. He
praised the initiative, acknowledging the benefit to Tanzania's skilled
workforce.
"Many of the
technicians employed by AAL are graduates of the National Institute of
Transport (NIT)," he remarked.
Eng Igor Stratl, the
Director of the Morogoro plant, explained the company's decision to invest in
Tanzania.
"Tanzania's
reputation for security, stability, and peace made it an ideal location for our
expansion," he said.