The Daily News has recently reported the launch of daily flights to the Arusha Airport by the Air Tanzania Company Ltd (ATCL), who has promised its customers outstanding services around and beyond what they described as “the Geneva of Africa.”
In an interview with the Daily News, the acting director for the ATCL, Thompson Byarushengo, indicated that the company’s services were intended to meet the needs of a variety of clientele.
“Our services are aimed at meeting transport needs for tourists, businessmen and delegates to various international conference held in Arusha,” he said.
Mr. Byarushengo went on to indicate that, according to several studies, a significant number of tourists arriving in Arusha will require efficient and reliable transportation to other important destinations in Tanzania, including both Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam.
“Our 50-seater Dash 8 Bombardier will be there to make sure customers enjoy reliable flights from attractions like Ngorongoro, Manyara and Serengeti game reserves,” he said.
Prior to the launch of these flights, the only option that was available for tourists to Arusha who were in need of a flight was to drive to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
According to Mr. Byarushengo, the ATCL is not only planning to serve business people and delegates to international conferences, but also customers of the general public who are seeking directs flights to Arusha.
The Daily News went on to report the Arusha Regional Commissioner, Isidore Shirima, as saying that the ATCL should prepare itself for the heavy competition that exists within the Tanzania airline industry.
Mr. Shirima advised that the ATCL adopt a policy of cost efficiency and timeliness in order to stand apart from its competitors.
“This will make people note and feel the difference,” he said.
Mr. Shirima went on to explain that the company will likely experience additional success with the East Africa hub if it is capable of effectively serving the region’s potential 80 million passengers.
According to the Daily News report, the company’s inaugural flight, which took place last week, operated with 25 passengers who flew both to Arusha and to locations in Zanzibar.
