Boeing has secured an order for freighter and passenger airplanes from Air Tanzania in a deal valued at $726 million at list prices, the US planemaker and the African carrier announced at the 2021 Dubai Airshow on Tuesday. 

The airplanes, a 787-8 Dreamliner, a 767-300 freighter and two 737 MAX, will be operated by the national flag-carrier of Tanzania, which is looking to expand its service from the country to new markets across Africa, Asia and Europe. 

According to Boeing’s 2021 forecast, Africa’s airlines will likely require 1,030 new aircraft valued at $160 billion, as well as aftermarket services such as manufacturing and repair worth $235 billion, as air travel and economies across Africa expand. 

Air Tanzania CEO Ladislaus Matindi said the 787 Dreamliner, which reduces fuel use and carbon dioxide emissions, is popular with the airline’s customers. 

“Adding to our 787 fleet, the introduction of the 737 MAX and 767 freighter will give Air Tanzani exceptional capability and flexibility to meet passenger and cargo demand within Africa and beyond,” he said. 

According to Ihssane Mounir, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Africa is one of the fastest-growing markets for air travel. 

“Africa is the third fastest-growing region worldwide for air travel, and Air Tanzania is well positioned to increase connectivity and expand tourism throughout Tanzania,” added Ihssane Mounir, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing. 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has recently forecast a 1.9 billion loss for the airline industry in Africa this year. The figure is expected to drop to $1.5 billion in 2022, as air travel improves. 

(Writing by Cleofe Maceda; editing by Daniel Luiz ) 

Cleofe.maceda@refinitiv.com 

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