Tanzanian carrier Precision Air (PW), today, took delivery of its first ATR42-600 out of five brand new -600 series ATR aircraft (i.e. 4 ATR 42-600s and 1 ATR 72-600) ordered in December 2011. The official ceremony took place earlier today at the ATR Delivery Center in Toulouse, France, and was attended by Alfonse Kioko, CEO of Precision Air and Filippo Bagnato, ATR's CEO.  |
| Precision Air's ATR42-600 in Toulouse |
The introduction of the new series airplanes will increase Precision Air's ATR fleet to 14 aircraft thus making the Tanzanian carrier the largest ATR operator in Africa. The fleet expansion will allow the airline to offer its passengers the advantages and comfort of the new ATR -600 series 'Armonia' cabin.
The aircraft's first commercial flight should take place upon its arrival in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, when the ATR 42-600 takes off for Kilimanjaro.
A second ATR 42-600 will be delivered towards the end of this year with the other deliveries continuing throughout 2013. The handover of the ATR 72-600 is scheduled for 2014.
Alfonse Kioko, Group Managing Director and CEO of Precision Air, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome the new ATR 42-600 to our already existing young fleet in line with our continued mission to develop and provide superior air transport services that will exceed customer expectation. The ATR 42-600 is also suited to our growth ambitions on the African continent. Needless to say, as a Tanzanian regional Airline, Precision Air honors Tanzania today in making our country the first and only African country to own this sophisticated very modern navigation model that will optimize time for approach, reduce fuel consumption and promises more comfort for our passengers due to its seats design. By expanding our fleet our customers will enjoy more efficiency and better travel experience from us. We are now giving our customers a greater choice and better service.”
ATR also supports Precision Air Services' training needs as in 2006, it set up a partnership for certified aeronautical maintenance training for Tanzanian students. Under the program, each student spends one academic year at the Aeronautical Technical School in Toulouse, France, and then joins Precision Air's maintenance crew in Dar Es Salaam. So far, 12 students have already graduated from these courses and joined the airline. 5 students are currently undergoing intensive training, while 24 are expected in the coming years.
