Precision Air Boosts Capacity with Wet-Leased ATR72 and Reactivates ATR42-600 Amid Rising Demand
Tanzania’s leading regional carrier, Precision Air, is taking decisive steps to strengthen its fleet and address ongoing capacity challenges by introducing an ATR72-500 aircraft on a wet-lease basis from Lithuanian operator Jump Air. This strategic move comes as the airline grapples with increased passenger demand and supply chain delays that have impacted its operational efficiency.
The wet-leased ATR72-500, complete with crew, maintenance, and insurance provided by Jump Air, offers Precision Air immediate relief without the long-term financial commitment of purchasing new aircraft. This leasing model, known as ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance), is increasingly popular among African airlines seeking flexibility to scale operations swiftly and cost-effectively. Jump Air, established in 2020 and based in Vilnius, has been expanding its footprint in Africa by providing similar wet-lease services to carriers such as Cabo Verde Airlines and Madagascar Airlines, helping them navigate fleet shortages and operational disruptions.
Alongside this addition, Precision Air has reactivated its ATR42-600, a smaller but highly efficient turboprop aircraft, to further bolster its capacity. The ATR42-600 is well-suited for regional routes with challenging infrastructure, offering enhanced passenger comfort and operational versatility. This reintroduction is particularly timely as the airline faces delays in aircraft deliveries and a surge in travel demand, especially during peak tourism seasons.
Currently, Precision Air operates six active aircraft, but two of its ATR72-500s have remained grounded since last year due to maintenance and supply chain issues. The combination of the wet-leased ATR72-500 and the returning ATR42-600 is expected to alleviate these constraints, enabling the airline to maintain and potentially expand its network across Tanzania and neighboring East African markets.
Precision Air’s fleet strategy reflects a broader trend in the African aviation sector, where airlines are leveraging wet-leasing arrangements to manage capacity fluctuations and operational risks without heavy capital expenditure. This approach allows carriers to remain agile amid unpredictable market conditions and supply chain bottlenecks, which have become more pronounced in recent years.
With a strong focus on connecting key domestic destinations such as Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, and regional hubs like Nairobi, Precision Air’s enhanced fleet capacity is poised to support Tanzania’s growing tourism industry and business travel needs. The airline’s commitment to operational stability and customer service excellence remains central to its efforts to regain financial health and market leadership in East Africa.
As Precision Air navigates these fleet adjustments, the airline’s partnership with Jump Air exemplifies the increasing collaboration between African carriers and international ACMI providers, a relationship that is shaping the future of regional air connectivity on the continent. This synergy not only addresses immediate capacity gaps but also positions Precision Air to capitalize on emerging travel trends and economic opportunities in the years ahead.
