Weather challenges delay arrival of Tanzania's Boeing B787-8 Dreamliner
What you need to know:
- The new Dreamliner, which comes from the United States, boasts a capacity of 262 passengers—22 in business class and 240 in economy—along with the ability to carry 15 to 20 tonnes of cargo, depending on the volume of passengers and their luggage.
Dar es Salaam. The arrival of Tanzania's new Boeing B787-8 Dreamliner has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions, the government has announced.
The aircraft, which was set to land at Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, was scheduled to be received by President Dr Hussein Mwinyi.
However, the reception and launch ceremony have been delayed, according to a statement from Zanzibar’s Acting Government Spokesperson, Raqey Mohamed.
“A revised arrival schedule for the Boeing B787-8 Dreamliner will be announced once arrangements are finalized,” the statement noted.
Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) also issued a statement explaining that the delay was due to weather-related challenges beyond their control.
“Air Tanzania apologizes for any inconvenience caused,” the national carrier stated.
Transport Minister Prof Makame Mbarawa previously said that the arrival of this modern long-range aircraft would enable ATCL to expand its flight operations.
"The B787-8 Dreamliner will allow ATCL to increase its flight routes to both regional and international destinations," Prof Mbarawa said.
The new Dreamliner, which comes from the United States, boasts a capacity of 262 passengers—22 in business class and 240 in economy—along with the ability to carry 15 to 20 tonnes of cargo, depending on the volume of passengers and their luggage.
The addition of this aircraft is expected to help ATCL broaden its route network, including new destinations such as Kinshasa, Goma, Muscat and Lagos.
Once it arrives, the new Dreamliner will join ATCL’s fleet, bringing the total number of aircraft to 16, with 15 being newly acquired as part of the company’s revitalization program initiated in 2016. With this addition, ATCL will now have two Dreamliner aircraft in its fleet.
