Precision Air Focuses on Fleet Stabilization Before Expansion
Precision Air (PW) is focusing on the stabilization of its fleet and operations before expanding its services, following the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, global supply chain issues, and rising operational costs. The Tanzanian carrier, known for its fleet of ATR turboprops, is taking a cautious approach to mitigate financial risks. The airline’s CEO, Patrick Mwanri, emphasized that the primary goal at this stage is to strengthen internal operations to ensure a sustainable future. Once financial stability is achieved, Precision Air will move forward with its planned fleet expansion as part of its five-year growth strategy.
Speaking at the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) annual general assembly in Cairo, Mwanri outlined the airline’s immediate focus on adapting to rising maintenance costs and other operational hurdles. “We are prioritizing stabilization before considering any expansion,” he said. “With the current environment, our efforts are centered around improving operations internally.”
Precision Air’s five-year strategy, formulated in 2022, had originally included expanding its fleet of ATR turboprops to increase schedule flexibility and frequency. However, Mwanri clarified that the airline has no immediate plans to transition to jet aircraft or upgauge its fleet until the ATR operations are fully stabilized.
“We are focusing on the turboprop market right now, and we’ve seen a solid recovery to pre-Covid levels,” he explained. The airline believes that the growing tourist numbers in Tanzania, targeting five million visitors, and the country’s promotion of its tourism destinations present a significant market opportunity for its turboprop services.
Precision Air operates a fleet of eight ATR aircraft, including ATR42s and ATR72s, with six currently active. Two aircraft are undergoing maintenance delays due to supply chain disruptions but are expected to return to service soon. Mwanri noted that Precision Air plans to reintroduce routes like Bukoba, which had been suspended due to capacity issues, as the festive season approaches. Additionally, new domestic routes, including Kahama, Shinyanga, Tanga, Iringa, and Songea, will be added to meet increased demand.
“We are in talks to expand our network, and with the recent upgrades to several airstrips, such as Iringa and Mara, we see great potential,” Mwanri stated. Precision Air’s ongoing efforts to expand its operations align with Tanzania’s growing tourism sector, including plans to tap into new international markets like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Moheli in the Comoros.
The airline also remains committed to enhancing its Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) services. Recently, Precision Air expanded its maintenance capabilities and secured certifications, enabling it to provide services to several clients, including Flightlink and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
As the airline works toward operational stability, Mwanri remains confident that Precision Air will break even operationally by 2026, once it overcomes current challenges, including exchange rate fluctuations and other legacy issues. “The road to stability is challenging, but progress is being made,” he concluded.
Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=Precision+Air
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com