Geza Ulole
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Airports: Kenya vs Tanzania
Airports: Kenya vs Tanzania
- Thread starter Geza Ulole
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Geza Ulole
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Geza Ulole
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Geza Ulole
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Geza Ulole
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Geza Ulole
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- Thread starter
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Geza Ulole
JF-Expert Member
- Oct 31, 2009
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Geza Ulole
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- Oct 31, 2009
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Geza Ulole
JF-Expert Member
- Oct 31, 2009
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Geza Ulole
JF-Expert Member
- Oct 31, 2009
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- 91,917
Geza Ulole
JF-Expert Member
- Oct 31, 2009
- 65,136
- 91,917
Geza Ulole
JF-Expert Member
- Oct 31, 2009
- 65,136
- 91,917
Geza Ulole
JF-Expert Member
- Oct 31, 2009
- 65,136
- 91,917
Geza Ulole
JF-Expert Member
- Oct 31, 2009
- 65,136
- 91,917
Geza Ulole
JF-Expert Member
- Oct 31, 2009
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- 91,917
Geza Ulole
JF-Expert Member
- Oct 31, 2009
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Why upgrade of Kilimanjaro Airport is crucial
THE government’s efforts to upgrade Kilimanjaro International Airport are underway, with a budget of 100bn/- allocated for renovations and the construction
byAlly Mayala
October 28, 2024
TANZANIA: THE government’s efforts to upgrade Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) are underway, with a budget of 100bn/- allocated for renovations and the construction of new facilities.
This ambitious project includes resurfacing the airport runway, building a state-of-the-art VIP lounge, constructing administration blocks and installing a water tank.
These improvements aim to enhance service quality and accommodate the increasing number of passengers.
Upgrading KIA is crucial not only for improving the travel experience but also for fostering economic growth, enhancing competitiveness and supporting Tanzania’s vision for sustainable development.
KIA serves as the main gateway for tourists visiting Tanzania, particularly those heading to iconic attractions like Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti. Upgrading the airport will enhance the overall travel experience and accommodate the increasing number of visitors.
The government’s commitment to upgrading KIA aligns with the Third National Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III) 2021/22-2025/26, which emphasises airport development and the revitalisation of Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) to foster a competitive economy.
Additionally, the government is focused on strengthening strategic infrastructure as outlined in the ruling party CCM Election Manifesto (2020-2025) to create an enabling environment for efficient operations.
In a recent televised programme on TBC1, KIA’s Acting Managing Director, Mr Clemence Jingu, said that renovations are scheduled for this financial year.
A total of 78bn/- has been allocated for resurfacing the 3.6-kilometre runway, which will also include the installation of modern airfield lighting for nighttime operations. KIA has operated since 1972 without significant renovations, making these upgrades essential.
“The government is investing in KIA to establish it as the main gateway for tourists and a hub for aviation business in the country,” Mr Jingu said, emphasising the airport’s strategic location near Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, as well as its proximity to the East African Community (EAC) headquarters in Arusha.
He said upgrading the airport enhances its role as a critical link between Tanzania and the broader East African region.
Furthermore, 16bn/- has been earmarked for the construction of a VIP lounge that is capable to accommodate 80 people, including Heads of State.
This reflects the government’s commitment to leveraging economic diplomacy through KIA, positioning it as a key entry point for visitors and investors.
“President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has successfully attracted many tourists to visit Tanzania as well as promoting conference tourism, with the Northern Region as a primary destination due to its fascinating tourist attractions,” he added.
The Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) will also construct an administration block worth 4bn/- to enhance efficiency.
Currently, many staff offices are located within the airport terminal, limiting passenger space. The airport terminal has the capacity to serve 1.2 million passengers annually. Additionally, a water tank with a capacity of 2 million litres will be installed.
Mr Jingu said that KIA averages 1,050 international arriving passengers and 600 local passengers daily, stating, “We still have the capacity to handle all passengers.” The airport currently has 13 scheduled international flights, with some arriving daily and others two or three times a week.
International airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways and KLM operate flights to KIA. Notably, by November, the airport will welcome direct flights from France, connecting Paris to Kilimanjaro.
Since being handed over to TAA in November 2023 from the Kilimanjaro Airport Development Company (KADCO), KIA has handled an average of 50 non-scheduled aircraft monthly.
In the past two years, the airport handled 1,028 non- scheduled aircraft, equivalent to an average of 50 aircraft per month,” he said.
Currently, it accommodates approximately 1,150 international passengers daily, with 90 per cent being tourists—a trend attributed to the country’s Royal Tour Film initiative.
KIA is the main gateway for tourism in Tanzania, connecting the Northern tourism circuit to the world. This circuit includes some of Africa’s most iconic national parks and game reserves, such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Kilimanjaro National Park, Tarangire National Park and Olduvai Gorge.
The airport also handles 330 tonnes of perishables, which include 160 tonnes of meat and fish sourced from Mwanza, along with 170 tonnes of horticulture mainly produced in the northern and southern regions neighbouring countries.
Financially, KIA’s revenue exceeded targets in the last financial year (2023/2024), generating 34bn/- compared to the projected 32bn/-.
Looking ahead, the government plans to utilise the entire 110-square-kilometre airport area for various supportive infrastructure developments, including recreation centres, hotels and hospitals.
Currently, only 4 per cent of the area is in use and TAA is developing a master plan to attract investors.
Mr Jingu urged strategic investors to explore opportunities at KIA, emphasising the airport’s growth potential.
Economist and investment banker Dr Hildebrand Shayo praised the government’s initiatives, stating that upgrading KIA’s infrastructure, particularly the runway, will significantly benefit Tanzania’s economy by boosting tourism, trade and foreign investment.
Dr Shayo noted that these transformative improvements will strengthen Tanzania’s position as a regional centre for commerce and transportation within East Africa.
He commended the government for its commitment to upgrading the airport, emphasising the need for proper maintenance practices to facilitate significant economic growth.
“The KIA runway upgrade allows for accommodating Next Generation Aircraft (NGA),” he explained.
Next generation aircraft refers to aircraft incorporating new technologies and systems required to transform commercial air travel and transport as part of a broader transformation of the National Airspace System (NAS).
He added, “This upgrade will facilitate trade, tourism, business travel, humanitarian relief, security operations, employment and global accessibility.” Dr Shayo highlighted that these advancements identify Tanzania’s aviation industry as a critical enabler of the nation’s Vision 2050, which aims to enhance economic development sustainably.
In conclusion, the upgrades at KIA are poised to increase flight frequency, enhance competition and improve service reliability, marking a significant step forward for Tanzania’s aviation industry.
Why upgrade of Kilimanjaro Airport is crucial - Daily News
THE government’s efforts to upgrade Kilimanjaro International Airport are underway, with a budget of 100bn/- allocated for renovations and the construction
MY TAKE:
12 international flights r served at KIA with daily 1050 international PAX while Kisumu airport receives 0 international flight.
Geza Ulole
JF-Expert Member
- Oct 31, 2009
- 65,136
- 91,917
Geza Ulole
JF-Expert Member
- Oct 31, 2009
- 65,136
- 91,917
Geza Ulole
JF-Expert Member
- Oct 31, 2009
- 65,136
- 91,917
Geza Ulole
JF-Expert Member
- Oct 31, 2009
- 65,136
- 91,917
- Thread starter
- #1,180
ATCL applauded for innovative drive to curbing operating costs
By Joseph Mwendapole , The GuardianPublished at 11:40 AM Nov 12 2024
Photo: File
ATCL Plane
THE Parliamentary Committee on Infrastructure has praised Air Tanzania Co. Ltd (ATCL) for its innovative approach to reducing operating costs by improving its workshop.
Seleman Kakoso, committee chairperson, made the remarks in Dar es Salaam yesterday when his team visited the ATCL’s workshop at the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.
Kakoso expressed satisfaction with the measures ATCL has implemented to control operating expenses, highlighting that the completion of the aircraft ownership transfer from the Tanzania Government Aircraft Agency (TGFA) to ATCL will enhance efficiency and help eliminate the significant debt reflected in ATCL's accounts.
"With the ownership transfer process underway, the committee urges the government to complete the transaction to reduce ATCL's debt. This will allow for a clearer picture of the company's true income and expenditures," said Kakoso.
He also commended the government for its continued support of ATCL, including adding more aircraft to expand its flight network.
Oran Njeza, Budget Committee chairperson noted that the committee had observed ATCL's major projects, including the construction of new workshops and strategic efforts to improve its operational structure to meet business demands.
David Kihenzile, Transport Deputy Minister thanked both committees and promised to address their concerns in collaboration with the committee to overcome the challenges ATCL is facing.
Eng. Ladislaus Matindi, ATCL executive director, expressed gratitude to the government for enabling ATCL to enhance its workshops, allowing the airline to perform major aircraft maintenance.
Matindi explained that previously, ATCL could not even change a tire when it needed maintenance, as it had to send the tire to Nairobi for repairs.
He emphasized that the approval from aircraft manufacturers to carry out major repairs in Tanzania is proof that ATCL has met the necessary criteria and possesses the expertise to handle such tasks.
Regarding ATCL's expansion plans, Matindi announced that the airline has begun selling tickets for flights to Johannesburg, with the first trip scheduled for November 30, 2024.
