Airplanes Africa Limited unveils Tanzania's first-ever assembled aircraft at TIMEXPO 2023.
Skyleader 600 is designed for business travelers with affordability and low operational costs.
AAL plans to expand with Skyleader 500 for agricultural use, creating local job opportunities.
The Morogoro-based aircraft company, Airplanes Africa Limited (AAL), displayed the first-ever assembled aircraft in Tanzania on Wednesday.
The Skyleader 600's (as the aircraft is called) reveal took place at the Diamond Jubilee Hall of the Tanzania International Manufacturers Expo 2023 (TIMEXPO), which was held in the nation's capital of Dar es Salaam. The aircraft is designed to fly two people including the pilot. An ideal aircraft for business trips.
David Grolic, the AAL director disclosed that his organization decided to take advantage of Tanzania's favorable business climate, and willingness to adopt new technologies, by setting up the aircraft assembling outfit in the country.
"We conducted thorough research to understand the requirements of business travelers who frequently undertake long-distance trips," the AAL director noted.
"In response to the research, we decided to present an aircraft that would enable business people to travel more conveniently and attend various meetings outside of the region before returning to the city for other activities," he added.
AAL stands as the only company of its kind in the East African country. It boasts the only aircraft manufactured with commercial intent.
A follow-up aircraft aptly dubbed the Skyleader 500 is currently in the works and is set to be completed by next year. This variation is intended for agricultural use and other rural commercial activities.
According to the AAL director, a team of Tanzanian and Czech workers are working with the AAL to manufacture the Skyleader 500. It goes without saying that this business venture has provided employment opportunities for locals in the country.
David Grolic also noted that these aircraft are affordable and paying for one is comparable to paying for a car. They also have low operational costs, consume little energy, and are easily maintainable. The director noted that the initial plan revolves around domestic sales before eventually pivoting to selling to the international market.
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