Air Tanzania receives FG’s approval for direct flights to Nigeria
In a major stride for aviation collaboration in Africa, the Federal Government has officially granted Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) a Foreign Carrier Operation Permit (FCOP), allowing the airline to initiate direct flights between Tanzania and Nigeria.
The permit was presented at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development headquarters in Abuja. Ahmed Mohammed, representing Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, announced that the initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency and safety while fostering collaboration between the two nations in the aviation sector.
“The Federal Government has presented the Foreign Carrier Operation Permit to Air Tanzania Company Limited at the Ministry headquarters in Abuja,” the statement emphasized.
Kana further explained that the FCOP will facilitate standardized procedures, promoting smooth interactions and efficient operations among aviation stakeholders from both countries, in line with global best practices.
“The presentation of the FCOP to Air Tanzania is a significant step in promoting aviation cooperation and excellence. We are confident that this initiative will yield positive outcomes for both nations,” he noted.
Highlighting the broader impact of the initiative, the Permanent Secretary mentioned its alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to strengthen regional integration and cooperation across West Africa. He assured ATCL officials of Nigeria’s commitment to supporting their operational needs.
Yinka Babaoye Iriobe, Director of Air Traffic Regulation at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), shared optimism about the airline’s upcoming operations.
“The MoU will require ATCL to upload all passenger data into NCAA’s AVITECH portal. The FCOP is the authorization ATCL needs to commence operations into and out of Nigeria,” Iriobe stated.
The Tanzanian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Selestine Gervas Kakele, praised the Nigerian government for its cooperation and described Nigeria as a “gateway to prosperity for all African nations.” He emphasized the importance of direct flight links in enhancing regional connectivity, stating that this initiative is crucial for the movement of people, goods, and services across the continent.
Kakele confirmed that ATCL is prepared to operate scheduled flights between Dar es Salaam and Lagos, having successfully passed regulatory inspections by the NCAA in Tanzania. He added that the airline has received approval for its Local Security Operation Procedures and is in the process of securing office space at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, as well as residence permits for its staff.
Source: Vanguard newspaper
