DODOMA, Nov. 16 -- THE government has pledged to acquire eight more aircraft by 2030 to strengthen Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), expanding both domestic and international routes and positioning the country as a regional aviation hub.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan said on Friday during the inauguration of the 13th Parliament in Dodoma that the decision is part of a broader plan to open up the country and elevate Julius Nyerere International Airport into a major hub for international flights.

“By 2030, we plan to further strengthen our national airline by adding eight new aircraft, enabling the airline to increase its flights within and outside the country,” she said.

The Head of State also assured the House that plans...