Concerns Rise as Weather Delays Boeing B787 Dreamliner Debut at Zanzibar Airport

By Adonis Byemelwa

Dar es Salaam: Zanzibar's aviation scene was set for a milestone event on Monday, August 19, 2024, with the debut of the Boeing B787 Dreamliner. However, severe weather conditions have led to an unexpected delay. The aircraft, scheduled to land at 4:00 PM and be greeted by President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, will now arrive at a later time.

In a statement issued on August 19, 2024, Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) acknowledged the situation: "The weather challenge has caused a change in the flight schedule, and a new arrival time will be announced. Air Tanzania Company Limited apologizes for the inconvenience."

Deputy Director Raqey Mohamed from the Directorate of Presidential Communications in Zanzibar also expressed regret. On behalf of the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government, he stated, "We apologize for the disruption caused to the public."

The Dreamliner, marking the third Boeing B787-8 in Tanzania's fleet, represents a significant upgrade. With a capacity of 262 passengers—22 in business class and 240 in economy—it also boasts a cargo capacity of 15 to 20 tons, depending on load.

This addition to the fleet is part of a broader revitalization effort that began in 2016. Since then, Air Tanzania has undergone substantial changes, including fleet expansions, management overhauls, and significant capital investments.

By December 2023, ATCL’s fleet included 14 new aircraft: two Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, two Boeing 737-9 Max jets, four Airbus A220-300s, five Dash 8 Q400s, and a Boeing 767-300F cargo plane.

Despite these advancements, the airline has faced ongoing financial challenges. The Controller and Auditor General (CAG) reported consistent losses over the past five years. The latest audit for the 2021/22 fiscal year revealed a loss of Sh30.63 billion, which was partially offset by a government grant. Without this intervention, losses could have reached Sh65.86 billion.

These financial struggles reflect broader issues within Tanzanian aviation. On November 6, 2022, a Precision Air flight crashed into Lake Victoria in Kagera Region, revealing serious safety and operational problems within the industry.

Another incident on February 29, 2024, further highlighted these issues. An aircraft emitted smoke, leading to confusion and controversy. The Mwananchi newspaper's ‘misleading coverage’ intensified public and official backlash.

In response, ATCL CEO Ladislaus Matindi addressed the media, clarifying that the smoke was due to increased engine temperature and excess oil, not a fire.

Matindi explained, "The presence of smoke did not imply a fire and was promptly expelled through the aircraft's ventilation system. The situation inside the aircraft was not alarming, and safety measures were taken immediately."

Emmanuel Tivai, ATCL's Head of Aircraft Safety, emphasized the commonality of such incidents in transportation. "The crucial aspect is the actions taken post-occurrence. Standard procedures involve grounding the aircraft for inspection by engineers to ensure passenger safety. We followed these measures precisely."

The incident occurred against the backdrop of political tensions. Zitto Kabwe, leader of ACT-Wazalendo, claimed that six of ATCL’s aircraft were non-operational due to malfunctions. Matindi refuted this claim, stating, "Only three planes faced issues—two with technical engine problems and one with legal challenges. Out of the 11 aircraft, eight were operational and serving various routes, including destinations in India and China."

As Air Tanzania continues to expand and modernize its fleet, the financial challenges remain a significant concern. The recent delay of the Dreamliner serves as a reminder of the ongoing difficulties in the aviation sector, from weather disruptions to financial instability.

The airline’s progress in fleet enhancement highlights its commitment to improving services, but persistent financial losses highlight the need for continued reforms and better management practices.

The delay of the Boeing B787 Dreamliner and the ongoing financial and operational challenges faced by Air Tanzania illustrates the complex landscape of Tanzanian aviation. As the industry navigates these turbulent skies, resilience and adaptability will be crucial in overcoming the hurdles and achieving long-term stability.