The VP and her entourage to the lakeside city were allocated 41m/- but the cost was reduced to 7.6m/-, thanks to the use of the brand-new ATCL fleet-bombardier Q400.
Speaking shortly before her departure at the Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA), Ms Suluhu said the ATCL revival is helping to reduce government spending.
“We must be proud of our flag carrier.... it’s a good government initiative and we are happy that members of the public have also received the airline positively,” she said, noting that it was damn expensive for the government leader to hire a private flight from Dar es Salaam to Mwanza.
She said the future plans are to enable the flag carrier to land across all regions in the country.
“There were initial landing plan for various region...the routes have not been opened but we hope all the destinations will be opened to allow ATCL to fly passengers across the country,” she noted.
It was the first time for the VP to board the 78-seater and thumbed-up the company, challenging the management to maintain firstclass customer service as its competitive advantage against other airlines.
At the airport, Works, Transport and Communication Minister Prof Makame Mbarawa described the Vice President’s move as an undisputable credit to the company.
“This gives us confidence...it is pure patriotism and love to nation,” said professor Mbarawa.
He said the public airline was well prepared to serve Tanzanians in particular, noting that ATCL plans are to boost domestic tourism and foster economic development.
The minister said ATCL was offering unbeatable air fares to all its routes and yet allowing passengers to freely change their tickets without extra costs.
He said as of now the airline has three fleet, allowing for charter services to businessmen, government officials and other individuals.
The minister however dismissed as rubbish widely circulated claims that the national flag carrier was being used freely by government officials and politicians.
For two days now after some government officials were spotted having hired ATCL from Tabora to Dar es Salaam through Dodoma where they went for the burial of former Speaker of the National Assembly Samweli Sitta, it went viral that the leaders were using the new plane without paying the company.
“A plane used by the leaders from Tabora to Dar es Salaam was not in use at the time.
This mean no passenger was left stranded at either of the airport as it has been claimed,” clarified the minister.
He said for now the aircraft is scheduled for Zanzibar, Mwanza, Kilimanjaro and Kigoma. “We expect to open up our routes to Dodoma, Mtwara and Mbeya soon,” the minister noted.
ATCL Chief Executive Officer Eng Ladislaus Matindi told reporters that the firm was working on plans to automate its systems, admitting that currently the system does not issue online tickets although passengers can book online.
Daily News
Daily News
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