MWANZA: AIR Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) is putting more seats in the market between Dar es Salaam and Mwanza to cater to the increasing demand.

The national flag carrier will increase the seats between the two destinations from the current 132 to 181 by deploying a widebody aircraft— Boeing 737 Max 9—narrow body.

ATCL Commercial and Business Development Director, Mr Patrick Ndekana told reporters in Mwanza on Wednesday that the new equipment will start serving the route on the second Sunday of this month.

“The route demand is increasing despite flying six times per day…we want to put more seats ahead of demand,” Mr Ndekana said.

The airline director said when inking an agreement with Via Aviation Limited for Serengeti Lounge operations at Mwanza Airport, that the Boeing 737 Max 9 will also increase the cargo hauling tonnage to two tonnes per frequency.

The partnership involved Via Aviation to serve business class passengers of ATCL. Via Aviation Head of Business Development, Mr Collen Muguyo said the number of passengers using Mwanza Airport has shot up of late to elevate the demand for elegant services.

“This partnership is more than just a business agreement. It symbolises the advancement of premium aviation services,” Mr Muguyo said.

Mwanza Regional Commissioner Said Mtanda, who was the event chief guest said Air Tanzania will soon receive another Boeing 787-800 and hopes it will deploy to the second biggest city in the country.

“Stiff competition is coming, be ready for the new challenges…. Improve your on-time performance,” the RC told ATCL.

Currently, Mwanza Airport handles 1,000 passengers per day. Meanwhile, the airline plans to introduce Dodoma-Mwanza frequency based on increased demand from their passengers by September.

ATCL has 14 aircraft. One Dash 8-Q300 with 50 seats which was on maintenance expected to resume operation.