THE Parliamentary Committee on Infrastructure has praised Air Tanzania Co. Ltd (ATCL) for its innovative approach to reducing operating costs by improving its workshop.

Seleman Kakoso, committee chairperson, made the remarks in Dar es Salaam yesterday when his team visited the ATCL’s workshop at the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.

Kakoso expressed satisfaction with the measures ATCL has implemented to control operating expenses, highlighting that the completion of the aircraft ownership transfer from the Tanzania Government Aircraft Agency (TGFA) to ATCL will enhance efficiency and help eliminate the significant debt reflected in ATCL's accounts.

"With the ownership transfer process underway, the committee urges the government to complete the transaction to reduce ATCL's debt. This will allow for a clearer picture of the company's true income and expenditures," said Kakoso.

He also commended the government for its continued support of ATCL, including adding more aircraft to expand its flight network.

Oran Njeza, Budget Committee chairperson noted that the committee had observed ATCL's major projects, including the construction of new workshops and strategic efforts to improve its operational structure to meet business demands.

David Kihenzile, Transport Deputy Minister thanked both committees and promised to address their concerns in collaboration with the committee to overcome the challenges ATCL is facing.

Eng. Ladislaus Matindi, ATCL executive director, expressed gratitude to the government for enabling ATCL to enhance its workshops, allowing the airline to perform major aircraft maintenance.

Matindi explained that previously, ATCL could not even change a tire when it needed maintenance, as it had to send the tire to Nairobi for repairs.

He emphasized that the approval from aircraft manufacturers to carry out major repairs in Tanzania is proof that ATCL has met the necessary criteria and possesses the expertise to handle such tasks.

Regarding ATCL's expansion plans, Matindi announced that the airline has begun selling tickets for flights to Johannesburg, with the first trip scheduled for November 30, 2024.