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…to commence direct Dar es Salaam–Lagos flights
The Federal Government has presented the Foreign Carrier Operation Permit (FCOP) to Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), marking a significant milestone in strengthening aviation cooperation between Nigeria and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, speaking at the presentation in Abuja, said the initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and collaboration between the two nations’ aviation sectors.
The permanent secretary, represented by Ahmed Tijani Mohammed, in a statement signed by Nwagwu Daniel, for the Head of Press and Public Affairs, noted that the FCOP will standardise procedures, ensure seamless interactions, and align operations with international best practices.
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“The presentation of FCOP to Air Tanzania Company Limited is a significant step in our efforts to promote aviation cooperation and excellence, we are confident that this initiative will yield positive outcomes for both nations,”
He stated that the move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to foster regional integration and cooperation in West Africa and beyond.
Kana assured Air Tanzania officials of Nigeria’s readiness to provide the necessary support for their operations, urging them to liaise with relevant agencies in the ministry to meet their needs.
Yinka Babaoye Iriobe, Director of Air Traffic Regulation at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), welcomed ATCL’s entry into the Nigerian market, expressing optimism about the country’s aviation potential.
She disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both countries would be signed at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja. The MoU will require ATCL to upload all passenger data into the NCAA’s AVITECH portal, with the FCOP serving as the authorisation to commence operations in and out of Nigeria.
H.E. Selestine Gervas Kakele, United Republic of Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, commended the Nigerian government for its cooperation, describing Nigeria as “the gateway to prosperity for all African nations.”
He stressed that the new partnership would address challenges in regional connectivity by establishing a durable flight link between Dar es Salaam and Lagos.
“The movement of people, goods and services in Africa have suffered huge setback due to lack of regional connectivity and this is why the two countries are coming together to establish a durable flight link,”.
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He disclosed that ATCL is set to launch scheduled direct flights on the route, following the successful completion of the NCAA’s regulatory requirements, including the issuance of a Document of Authorisation, Conditions, and Limitations (DACL) after a rigorous base inspection in Tanzania.
The airline has also secured approval for its Local Security Operation Procedures (LSOP) and requested office space at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, as well as residence permits for its staff.
