Air Tanzania hands first Dash 8 order to newly-created DHC

Tanzania's govt is ordering a single De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400, marking the first firm deal for the manufacturer since investors acquired the former Q400 turboprop programme from Bombardier. The govt's flight agency will lease the aircraft, configured with 78 seats, to flag carrier Air Tanzania. Air Tanzania already has 3 of the type plus another which was already on order. De Havilland Canada says the new agreement – which will take the overall fleet to 5 – is the company's "first firm order" since Longview Aviation Capital took over the production line and established the newly-branded manufacturer earlier this year. Air Tanzania chief Ladislaud Matindi said: "We are very satisfied with the Dash 8-400's low operating costs and reliable operations in our high-utilisation environment." <br/>