Stuck in Malta: ATCL plane grounded for 3 years

Dar es Salaam.  An  Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) plane, a Bombardier Q300, has been grounded in Malta for  three years after a major malfunction forced its 2020 journey to the European nation for repairs.

The plane, registered as 5H-MWF, remains in limbo, with its return date shrouded in uncertainty. Reports of its presence in Malta surfaced online, raising questions about the lengthy delay.

ATCL CEO Ladislaus Matindi acknowledged the situation, attributing the extended stay to the plane's age and the difficulty of sourcing spare parts for the necessary overhaul.

"It's an old plane, so finding spare parts takes time," Matindi explained in a phone interview. "That's why it's been there for so long."

He emphasized the extent of the repairs, noting that the plane was already damaged when ATCL acquired it. "We're not incurring new costs," he clarified. "This is about fixing a long-standing issue."

Instead of scrapping the aircraft, ATCL opted for refurbishment, aiming to utilize it in markets with lower passenger capacities. The plane's 50-person limit makes it less suitable for major routes compared to ATCL's other planes.

Additionally, its suitability for smaller airports with shorter runways adds to its potential future deployment.

Matindi revealed that the plane flew to Malta after receiving clearance from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) under strict conditions. Carrying passengers was prohibited due to safety concerns.

He explained the special "Ferry flight" permit granted for the one-time journey to the repair facility.

While the plane's future remains unclear, the lengthy repair process underscores the challenges faced by airlines in maintaining older aircraft. With spare parts availability and extensive repairs playing a significant role, the wait for the Q300's return to Tanzanian skies continues.