Air Tanzania CEO Reveals Business & Tourism Potential of Lagos to Dar es Salaam Route

The Chief Executive Officer of Air Tanzania, Peter Ulanga, highlighted the immense economic and business potential Nigeria stands to gain from the launch of direct flights between Lagos and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s capital. 

Speaking on September 21 at the inauguration marking the East African carrier’s entry into Nigeria, Ulanga emphasised that the new air link would enhance trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). 

He pointed out that improved connectivity could foster fresh trade routes, such as exporting Nigerian yams to Tanzanian markets and importing Tanzanian coffee into Nigeria, thereby fuelling commerce and shared prosperity. Urging Nigerians to discover Tanzania’s premier attractions, including the Serengeti plains, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar’s pristine beaches, Ulanga noted the route would also spotlight Nigeria’s dynamic culture, vitality, and entrepreneurial drive. 

In addition to passenger services, he announced forthcoming cargo freighter operations with a 54-tonne capacity. He said, “With Lagos now in our network, Air Tanzania connects to 29 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, including Johannesburg, Nairobi, Dubai, Mumbai, and Guangzhou,” Ulanga added. 

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“This is more than a timetable; it is a rhythm of progress and a shared destiny for our people. This is more than a new route. It is a rhythm of progress, starting with three weekly flights from Dar es Salaam to Lagos and return flights from Lagos. Together, we are opening the skies to greater business, tourism, and cultural exchange,” he added.” 

Ulanga reaffirmed the airline’s dedication to safety, reliability, and superior service, ensuring top-tier experiences for passengers and cargo handlers while forging deeper ties between East and West Africa. 

He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Nigerian government and people for their welcoming support, the Tanzanian Ministry of Transport, and key partners, including CRDB Bank, National Insurance Corporation (NIC), UTT AMIS, and Boeing, for guiding the airline “step by step, wing by wing” to this achievement. Echoing Ulanga’s sentiments, Prof. Godius Kahyarara, Permanent Secretary of Tanzania’s Ministry of Transport and leader of the Tanzanian delegation, stated, “Nigeria is Africa’s second largest economy after South Africa. 

In specific indicators, Egypt also ranks second after South Africa. For us, this represents an excellent opportunity to open up Tanzania by establishing direct air transport services that connect our two nations. This connection will strengthen trade, investment, and people-to-people ties between Tanzania and Nigeria.”

Kahyarara also praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, which has elevated Air Tanzania to a top African carrier, boasting 16 modern aircraft with an average fleet age of 4.5 years. 

The event brought together high-level officials from Nigeria and Tanzania, along with tourism leaders, business executives, logistics experts, and members of the African diaspora in Nigeria. Tanzania’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Selestine Kakele, described the launch as “the dawn of a new chapter; a bridge across the skies connecting two magnificent nations, Nigeria and Tanzania, and two great cities: Lagos on the west coast and Dar es Salaam on the east.”

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, was represented by Mrs Janet Oputa, who congratulated Air Tanzania and vowed robust governmental backing for the service.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) And Answers

What new route has Air Tanzania launched, and how frequently do the flights operate?

Air Tanzania has introduced direct flights between Lagos, Nigeria, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, operating three times weekly in each direction.

How will these flights impact trade between Nigeria and Tanzania?

The route is expected to create new trade opportunities, such as exporting Nigerian yams to Tanzania and importing Tanzanian coffee to Nigeria, while enhancing overall commerce and investment ties.

What attractions does Air Tanzania’s CEO recommend for Nigerian travellers?

Peter Ulanga encourages visitors to experience Tanzania’s highlights, including the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar’s beaches, to promote tourism and cultural exchange.

Are there plans for cargo services on this route?

Yes, Air Tanzania plans to expand with cargo freighter services offering a 54-tonne capacity to support business logistics.

Which organisations supported the launch?

Key partners include the Nigerian and Tanzanian governments, CRDB Bank, National Insurance Corporation (NIC), UTT AMIS, and Boeing, to whom we extend our appreciation for their contributions.