Air Tanzania Faces EU Ban, Urgent Action Required to Regain Certification
Air Tanzania has been added to the EU Air Safety List, banning the airline from operating within European airspace due to safety concerns identified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This decision, announced on December 16, 2024, follows the rejection of Air Tanzania's application for Third Country Operator (TCO) authorization.
While specific safety violations were not disclosed, experts speculate that the airline may have failed to conduct timely major checks on its Airbus A220 aircraft, violating airworthiness directives. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport, emphasized the EU's commitment to maintaining high safety standards and urged Air Tanzania to promptly address these issues. He also offered assistance to Tanzanian authorities to help improve the airline's safety performance.
Air Tanzania operates a mixed fleet, including Boeing 787s and Airbus A220s, and had plans to expand its European routes to include London. However, the ban not only jeopardizes these plans but has also resulted in several airports, including regional ones like Kigali, locking the airline out of their facilities. The EU has indicated that Air Tanzania may still access traffic rights by wet-leasing aircraft from carriers not subject to an operating ban, provided safety standards are met.
A wet lease arrangement includes using an aircraft with a crew, fuel, and insurance provided by the leasing company. The EU Air Safety List now includes 129 airlines, with Air Tanzania joining other banned carriers such as Air Zimbabwe and Avior Airlines. Tzitzikostas reiterated the importance of addressing the safety concerns highlighted by the list and emphasized that the safety of travelers is the top priority.
In a positive note, Pakistan International Airlines has been cleared to resume operations in the EU after a four-year suspension due to improved safety standards. This progress demonstrates that airlines can successfully resolve safety concerns through cooperation and determination. As Air Tanzania grapples with its inclusion on the safety list, urgent reforms within Tanzania's aviation sector are necessary to align with international safety standards and regain access to vital aviation markets.
