By Mark Kawalya
Tanzania has launched its first locally manufactured aircraft, the Skyleader 600. This marks a significant step forward in the country’s aviation industry. These ultralight planes, produced by Airplanes Africa Limited (AAL), have officially entered service both domestically and internationally. The announcement came from Mr. David Grolig, AAL’s Director, upon the arrival of the first Skyleader 600 at Julius Nyerere International Airport.
AAL, based in Morogoro, secured operational certification after meeting international aviation standards. Mr. Grolig emphasized the advanced design and quality of the aircraft. The aircrafts are now available for sale. “We have successfully produced three Skyleader 600 planes in Tanzania. These aircraft are perfect for both domestic and regional travel, and we are ready to engage with buyers looking to invest in them,” said Mr. Grolig.
The establishment of the aircraft production facility in Tanzania was largely driven by the country’s favorable investment climate. The local population’s openness to adopting new technologies also presents a potential market. The Skyleader 600, designed to accommodate two people, including the pilot, is particularly suited for long-distance business travel. Mr. Grolig explained that the plane offers a practical solution for frequent travelers.
AAL is the first company in Tanzania to produce such aircraft, designed for both commercial and personal use. The project benefits from a collaboration between Tanzanian and Czech experts. It has created jobs for local Tanzanian youth employed in the manufacturing plant whilst. Some youth have also gone on to receive training in the Czech Republic. Mr. Grolig compared the ownership of an ultralight aircraft to owning a car, pointing out that these planes are affordable, run on petrol, and have minimal maintenance costs.
The Skyleader 600 aircraft were also showcased at the Tanzania International Manufacturers Expo (TIMEXPO 2024), hosted at the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair. The event, organized by the Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI) and the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), featured over 300 companies from both local and international markets.
Prof. Godius Kahyarara, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, applauded this milestone, noting that Tanzania is now the only African country manufacturing such aircraft. He also highlighted that the Skyleader 600 can fly for up to six hours nonstop, making it ideal for long-distance travel. This achievement positions Tanzania as a growing force in the aerospace industry, with potential to become a regional hub for innovative transportation solutions.
