The aircraft, which boasts advanced avionics, aerodynamics, and intercontinental range capability, will aid the airline in developing long-haul, regional, and feeder markets.
Air Tanzania's managing director, Ladislaus Matindi, announced plans to acquire four more passenger aircraft by the end of 2023, including one DHC-8-Q400, two Boeing 737-9s, and one Boeing 737-8. This comes as the airline faces grounded aircraft, including three A220-300s experiencing technical issues with their Pratt & Whitney PW1524G-3 engines.
The Tanzanian flag carrier has been in talks with Air Sénégal, whose A220s have suffered similar engine problems. The airlines, both impacted by delays in resolving the issue, met in Dar es Salaam last week and are considering joint legal action against the engine manufacturer. Matindi explained that the engines are supposed to be removed for maintenance after 5,260 landings, but due to design defects, they often need removal before 1,000 landings.
The carriers aim to hold Pratt & Whitney accountable for not providing spare engines as contractually required. Matindi said that if amicable negotiations fail, legal action may be taken, with compensation for losses also being discussed. A Pratt & Whitney spokesperson acknowledged the supply chain challenges, but expects these pressures to ease later in the year, supporting both production and MRO engines.
