China’s Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), has launched a field aircraft support centre in Tanzania to provide services to civil aircraft operators in Africa
Additionally, a state-owned Chinese aerospace and defence company has agreed to provide technical services, supply spare parts and assist with planning joint ventures with local firms such as Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL).
Milton Lazaro, acting CEO of ATCL, said, “The alliance between ATCL and AVIC is aimed at enhancing domestic and regional air network within Tanzania and Africa as well as the whole world. Through such cooperation, we are very sure that even the number of our aircraft is going to increase and we can expand services.”
Xie Yajing, deputy director general of West Asia and Africa Department in the China's ministry of commerce said that the establishment of an aircraft support centre would facilitate a prosperous start to civil aviation cooperation between Beijing and Dar es Salaam.
According to officials in the Tanzanian government, the decision to establish an aviation centre was taken after Jakaya Kikwete, President of Tanzania visited China in October 2014. During the President’s tour, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed aimed at deepening cooperation between the two governments in various fields including civil aviation.
