Boeing, Air Tanzania celebrate 1st 767 freighter delivery to Africa

Boeing and Air Tanzania are celebrating the delivery of the airline's first 767-300 freighter.

The airplane arrived at the airline's hub in Dar es Salaam and will provide the operator with dedicated air freight capacity to serve the country's growing cargo market, says a release from Boeing. The delivery also marks the first direct 767 freighter delivery from Boeing to an African carrier, the release added.

"We are thrilled to welcome the 767-300 Boeing freighter to our fleet," says Ladislaus Matindi, Managing Director, Air Tanzania. "The 767 will cater to the growing cargo demand which was previously carried by passenger airplanes. The 767 will enable Air Tanzania to support a journey towards a more sustainable future and time critical cargo schedules across Africa and beyond. We are looking forward to expanding our imports and exports industry that require timely delivery. The arrival of the airplane will open opportunities for global businesses to transport commercial cargo goods to various parts of the world, which will boost national economic growth."

The 767-300 freighter's fuel efficiency, operational flexibility and low noise levels will enable Air Tanzania to support time-critical cargo schedules across Africa and beyond, the release added. "Capable of flying 3,255 nautical miles with a revenue payload of more than 52 tonnes, the 767-300 freighter is the ideal airplane for growing e-commerce and express cargo markets. This is Air Tanzania's first dedicated freighter as the country looks to expand imports and exports of perishable goods, pharmaceuticals and other products that require timely delivery."

Anbessie Yitbarek, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Africa adds: "The 767 freighter will enable Air Tanzania to significantly grow its existing operations with greater efficiency and flexibility across its network. Air Tanzania's cargo customers now have far more options as the airline boosts freight connectivity between Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia."

Air Tanzania currently operates commercial service across Africa and to destinations in Asia with a fleet that includes two 787-8 Dreamliners. The airline also has orders for an additional 787-8 and two 737 MAX jets, the release added.