Precision Air Eyes Recovery with Fleet, Route Optimization
Tanzania’s Precision Air is showing clear signs of recovery, with improved operational and financial performance following the pandemic. CEO Patrick Mwanri shared with The Citizen that the airline has reduced operating losses and is implementing key strategies to return to sustainable growth.
The airline is focusing on fleet and route optimization, enhancing aircraft utilization to improve efficiency. Precision Air is also adopting new technologies to streamline operations and boost productivity. Expansion into underserved domestic markets, including a new route to Iringa, highlights its commitment to growth. Mwanri noted that Tanzania’s improving infrastructure, supported by the government, is aiding the airline’s turnaround.
In 2023, Precision Air reported an operating loss of TZS2.9 billion (USD1.1 million), a significant improvement from a TZS28.9 billion (USD10.9 million) loss in 2020. Passenger numbers climbed to 481,981 in 2023, up from 245,875 during the pandemic, while load factors increased from 53% in 2018 to 65% in 2023. Revenue also rose 38% over the same period.
The airline currently operates a fleet of eight ATR turboprop aircraft, including five ATR72-500s, two ATR42-600s, and one ATR42-500. Mwanri said fleet stabilization is a top priority, with plans to introduce jet aircraft in the future once operations are fully stable.
Precision Air currently serves 13 domestic destinations and three regional ones, including Nairobi and two cities in the Comoros. Mwanri aims to break even operationally by 2026, with some months already showing profitability.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com