Air Tanzania Fleet: Aircraft Types, Seating and Travel Experience
Air Tanzania has been expanding its fleet recently. It operates a mix of turboprops, narrow-body jets and wide-body aircrafts. This mix allow the airline to serve both local routes and long-haul international destinations. This means more choice, more comfort, and greater connectivity for trabelers.
A Look at Air Tanzania’s Fleet
Unlike many regional carriers that focus only on domestic flights, Air Tanzania has positioned itself as a hybrid operator, one that can fly you from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar in under an hour, but also take you all the way to Asia on the same brand.
Here’s what’s currently in the fleet:
Dash 8-Q400 – The Domestic Workhorse
The Dash 8-Q400 is the backbone of Air Tanzania’s domestic operations. The airline operates five of these turboprops, each carrying about 74–78 passengers depending on the configuration. Business travelers get a small premium cabin of six to ten seats, while economy takes up the bulk of the aircraft.
With a range of just over 2,000 km, the Q400s are perfect for short hops to destinations like Mwanza, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar. If you’re looking to connect quickly across Tanzania, chances are you’ll find yourself on one of these planes.
Airbus A220-300 – Efficiency Meets Comfort
Air Tanzania was among the first African airlines to bet on the Airbus A220, and for good reason. The carrier has four of these sleek, fuel-efficient jets. With 12 business class seats and 120 in economy, they hit the sweet spot for regional and medium-haul flights.
For travelers, the A220 offers one of the most comfortable narrow-body experiences in the skies: wider seats, bigger windows, and quieter cabins. It’s a smart choice for business flyers heading to Nairobi, Harare, or Lusaka.
Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner – The Flagship
The pride of Air Tanzania’s fleet is the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. With three of them in service, the airline uses these aircraft for its long-haul routes to India, China, and the Middle East.
Each Dreamliner seats 22 passengers in business class and 240 in economy. These jets can connect Tanzania to almost any part of the globe as its range stretches over 13,600 KM. It has a 36-inch pitch in business class and this guarantees a relaxed journey on overnight flights for executives and premium travelers.
Boeing 737 MAX 9 – Regional Connector
Air Tanzania also flies two Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft to bridge the gap between the smaller A220 and the long-haul Dreamliner. These jets carry 181 passengers (16 in business and 165 in economy) and are used on busier regional routes.
The MAX 9 gives the airline flexibility on mid-range flights, ideal for African hubs where demand is higher than what the A220 can handle but doesn’t justify a wide-body aircraft.
Boeing 767-300F – Cargo Operations
Not all of Air Tanzania’s aircraft carry passengers. The airline also operates a Boeing 767-300F, a dedicated cargo jet.
Air Tanzania Fleet Comparison (2025)
Here’s a side-by-side look at Air Tanzania’s aircraft, their capacities, and what routes they’re best suited for.
| Aircraft Type | Number of Aircraft | Seating Capacity | Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dash 8-Q400 | 5 | 6–10 Business, 68–70 Economy | 2,063 km (1,362 nm) | Short domestic routes (Dar es Salaam – Zanzibar, Mwanza, Kilimanjaro) |
| Airbus A220-300 (CS300) | 4 | 12 Business, 120 Economy | 6,112 km (3,300 nm) | Regional African routes, medium-haul flights |
| Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner | 3 | 22 Business, 240 Economy | 13,621 km (7,355 nm) | Long-haul international flights (India, China, Middle East) |
| Boeing 737 MAX 9 | 2 | 16 Business, 165 Economy | 6,570 km (3,550 nm) | Medium-haul and high-demand regional routes |
| Boeing 767-300F (Cargo) | 1 | Cargo only | 6,025 km (3,250 nm) | Freight and logistics, regional and international trade |
For business travelers, the variety in Air Tanzania’s fleet is a clear advantage. You can board a Q400 for a quick meeting in Mwanza, hop on an A220 for a regional conference, or settle into a Dreamliner seat for a trip to Asia, all under the same airline.
Leisure travelers also benefit. The smaller planes make Tanzania’s tourist hotspots like Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro easily accessible. The larger aircraft on the other hand bring in tourists from across continents.
Also Read: A Look at Kenya Airways’ Fleet
