The national carrier of Tanzania, Air Tanzania has launched direct flights from Dar es Salaam to Lagos and has selected Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc to “provide ground handling operations to Air Tanzania at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria.”
ATCL Managing Director, Engineer Peter Ulanga, stated that the Lagos flights bring the company to a total of 29 destinations both within and outside Tanzania. He said “this destination is unique as it is the first to be established by ATCL in the West African region. These flights will open new opportunities for business, transportation, and strengthen diplomatic relations.”
The Ambassador of Tanzania to Nigeria, Honorable Selestine Kakele emphasizing how the new flights will boost trade between the two countries, said: “Nigeria is a major buyer of sisal from Tanzania, accounting for about 26% of total production after China. Other products we export include leather, which is used here as food and also as raw material for industries. These flights will further enhance that trade.”
SAHCO says it will provide “comprehensive ground handling services, which includes Passenger Handling, Baggage Handling, Ramp Handling, Cargo Handling & Warehousing and other aviation related services to Air Tanzania that would be flying from its hub at Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam, three times a week to Lagos.”
The Managing Director/CEO of SAHCO, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin said: “We are fully prepared to support Air Tanzania’s new service, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for their passengers and cargo.”
SAHCO confirms that it is “the only Ground Handling Company in Nigeria that is in all the commercially operated Airports in the country.”
Air Tanzania joins a rising number of airlines that have commenced commercial services to Nigeria in recent times. It joins other East African carriers on Nigerian routes including Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Uganda Airlines in offering connectivity between East and West Africa.