President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been fuming over the purchase of a plane which was billed to turn Dar into a cargo hub in the region.
The newest report of the Controller and Auditor-General (CAG) has uncovered massive overpricing, after an $86 million invoice was submitted to the government as the final instalment.
In November 2021 at the Dubai Airshow, Tanzania placed an order for a Boeing 767-300 freighter, besides a 787-8 Dreamliner and two 737 MAXs.
The freighter would be used to capitalise on Africa’s burgeoning cargo demand, Boeing and the Air Tanzania Company said.
“The 767 freighter will give Air Tanzania exceptional capability and flexibility to meet passenger and cargo demand within Africa and beyond,” said Air Tanzania chief executive Ladislaus Matindi.
And now, as national carrier prepares to receive Africa’s first B767-300F, a mix of excitement and anxiety is palpable in Dar es Salaam.
Last month, plane spotters saw the aircraft conducting test flights at the Boeing Factory at Paine Field, Seattle. It was expected at the Julius Nyerere International Airport on March 31, but the delivery was delayed by “supplier issues”.
Boeing said “quality issues” forced it to rework the 767Fs and the delivery is expected this month.
