Tanzania has made history by unveiling its first-ever homemade aircraft, the Skyleader 600, at a manufacturing expo in Dar es Salaam. The two-seater plane, which is designed for business trips, was assembled by Airplanes Africa Limited (AAL), a Morogoro-based company that aims to boost the country’s aviation sector.
According to AAL director David Grolic, the company chose Tanzania as its base because of its favorable business climate and willingness to adopt new technologies. He said the company conducted thorough research to understand the needs of business travelers who often undertake long-distance trips and decided to offer them a convenient and affordable option.
The Skyleader 600 is not the only aircraft AAL has in the pipeline. The company is also working on another model, the Skyleader 500, which is expected to be completed by next year. This variation is intended for agricultural use and other rural commercial activities.
Grolic said that a team of Tanzanian and Czech workers are collaborating with AAL to manufacture the Skyleader 500, which will create employment opportunities for locals. He also said that the aircraft is cost-effective and easy to maintain and that the company plans to sell them domestically before expanding to the international market.
Tanzania’s aviation industry has grown steadily in recent years, with the government investing in infrastructure development and expanding its national carrier, Air Tanzania. The country has also been attracting more tourists and investors, contributing to the demand for air transport.
The unveiling of the Sky Leader 600 has been a milestone for Tanzania and Africa as a whole, as it demonstrates the potential and innovation of the continent’s aviation sector. It also shows that Tanzania is committed to achieving its vision of becoming a middle-income country by 2025.
Source: Business Insider Africa
