AIR Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) has hailed measures taken by the government to invest heavily in the airline, something which has enabled it to compete locally and internationally.

In a statement issued in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the state-run airline stated that the sixth phase government has invested much efforts to strengthen the company to increase efficiency.

“We thank President Samia Suluhu Hassan because we have seen her robust efforts to strengthen this company since she came into office three years ago and the company has gained strength to compete nationally and internationally,” the statement reads in part.

The national flag carrier also said that some of the efforts made by the government to purchase new aircraft--passenger and cargo planes is recommendable.

“The government has been giving company permits to hire professionals of various cadres including pilots, engineers, and flight attendants and facilitate the opening of new flight destinations inside and outside the country,” the airline said.

“The situation has enabled the company to expand the scope of its network as well as build the capacity of these professionals so that they can carry out their duties effectively.”

Recently, ATCL announced its plan to introduce direct flights to Muscat in Oman.