The aviation sector has received a major boost after two major airlines in the world expressed their intention of commencing operations in the country. Swiss based Edelweiss Air AG and Eurowings Discover from Germany are the latest airline outfits that will launch their frequencies in Tanzania. The move follows the country's recent decision of rolling out measures aimed at reinforcing precaution against COVID-19 amid a surge of cases in the third wave of the pandemic. Fielding questions from reporters here yesterday, the Kilimanjaro Airports Development Company (KADCO) Acting Managing Director, Christine Mwakatobe described the move as a positive step as the country's aviation sector reels from the pangs of the pandemic.
"These two major headlines have shown confidence in us after the government's decision of reinforcing precautionary measures against the killer disease," explained Ms. Mwakatobe yesterday shortly after receiving the first batch of 550 tourists from Israel at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA). Detailing on the airlines' frequencies, the KADCO acting boss disclosed that Edelweiss Air AG was scheduled to start landing at KIA from October 8 this year, straight from Zürich Airport.
According to Ms. Mwakatobe, the Swiss airline will have two daily flights into KIA per week, the same with Eurowing Discover which its operations are due to begin mid next year."The entry of two aircraft which are both Airbus A330 make, assures us of even more tourists to the country to sample the beautiful attractions found in Tanzania," she added. Eurowings Discover is a German airline that is part of the Lufthansa Group.
It began operations on 24 July 2021 while Edelweiss Air AG is a Swiss leisure, charter airline, and a sister company of Swiss International Air Lines. With a fleet numbering 14, the airline operates flights to European and intercontinental destinations from its base at Zürich Airport. Last year, three major airlines increased their flight frequencies to the country. While the Ethiopian Airlines increased its frequency to 14 flights a week from the initial four landing and departures from Tanzania, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines added the number of its flights from one to four on a weekly basis. On its part, Qatar Airways increased it flights from two, to 14 a week.
Hosting the Israeli tourists for a cup of tea upon their arrival at KIA, Arusha Regional Commissioner (RC), John Mongella thanked the group for choosing Tanzania as their preferred Safari destination. "We are so happy to have you today, I urge you to become our good ambassadors once you're done with your visit to various tourist attractions in the country," said the Regional Commissioner. On his part, Shlomo Carmel, the group leader commended the Ministry of Tourism and Natural and its conservation agencies namely TANAPA and the NCAA for showing them great hospitality during their arrival.