Tanzania’s, Kenya’s flag carriers explore new cargo partnership

Air Tanzania Company Limited and Kenya Airways top officials have met to discuss the possibility for a cargo transportation collaboration aiming to increase value and reduce operating coasts.

Kenya Airways Group managing director Allan Kilavuka, who visited Tanzania recently, said in a statement that the two airlines could cooperate in different areas, particularly in cargo transportation. With the arrival of Air Tanzania’s first cargo plane, a 54-ton Boeing 767-300 freighter, the two flag-carriers aim to increase value and reduce operating costs by utilizing their available freight, equipment, and expertise effectively.

“The African market alone is very large and requires cooperation to exploit it, especially the service of transporting passengers and cargo,” said Air Tanzania’s managing director Ladislaus Matindi. He said cooperation areas include the exchange of expertise and conducting practical training without relying on foreign countries in order to increase operational efficiency.

The new cargo plane will come at the right time as demand continues to rise due to growing trade and commercial activities. The collaboration between the two companies is expected to create commercial opportunities and meet the demands of the global market for cargo transportation, including perishable products and other items that are expected to be transported from Tanzania, including general cargo services, chicks and fish, pharma services, newspapers and magazines, valuable cargo, express parcels, postal and courier services, hazard materials, and human remains.

Kenya Airways and South African Airways announced last month they will launch a pan-African airline group in 2024 as part of its strategic partnership to boost growth. The two airlines are currently implementing phase two of the partnership framework, which will lead to forming the new group.