Tanzania marks historic achievement with assembly of three aircraft

Tanzanian aviation sector achieves milestone with assembly of three aircraft.
Airplane Africa Limited facility in Morogoro plays a pivotal role in aircraft assembly.
Tanzanian Airport Authority emphasizes job creation and revenue opportunities from aviation expansion.

A report by the Tanzanian newspaper The Citizen revealed that the Tanzanian aviation industry recently completed the construction of three aircraft, the first assembled in the plant. The aircraft boasts a capacity of two to four passengers.

These aircraft were assembled in the Airplane Africa Limited facility built in 2021 by a Czech company. Back in October 2023, the Morogoro-based aircraft company, Airplanes Africa Limited (AAL), displayed the first-ever assembled aircraft.

The Skyleader 600's (as the aircraft is known) unveiling took place at the Diamond Jubilee Hall of the Tanzania International Manufacturers Expo 2023 (TIMEXPO), which was hosted in the country's capital, Dar es Salaam. The aircraft was meant to carry two passengers, including the pilot. This aircraft is perfect for business travels.

On Monday 18th of March 2024, during a press briefing, The director for the Tanzanian Airport Authority (TAA), Director General Mussa Mbura, noted that assembling the airplanes marks a significant milestone in the country’s aviation history.

“These aircraft represent a significant achievement,” the director-general relayed. “The AAL investment creates revenue opportunities for the government and fosters job creation for Tanzanian citizens,” Mbura added.

He also disclosed that this is just the beginning, relaying plans for future projects, “the assembly of additional aircraft is imminent. Notably, one such aircraft was previously showcased at the Sabasaba industrial exhibition,” Mbura stated.

He also spoke about the plant’s unique features stating, “This facility is the sole AAL branch in Africa, with their global network also encompassing branches in the Czech Republic, Germany, China, and Russia.”

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Prof Godius Kahyrara who visited the plant last year, lauded the project, particularly its contribution to the employment of locals.

“Many of the technicians employed by the AAL are graduates of the National Institute of Transport (NIT),” he said.