Tanzania's government 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 government's flight agency will lease the aircraft, configured with 78 seats, to flag carrier Air Tanzania.
Air Tanzania already has three of the type plus another which was already on order.
De Havilland Canada says the new agreement – which will take the overall fleet to five – 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.
"Our current fleet of three Dash 8-400 aircraft is performing very well and offering excellent passenger amenities," says Air Tanzania chief Ladislaud Matindi.
"We are very satisfied with the Dash 8-400's low operating costs and reliable operations in our high-utilisation environment."
Matindi adds that the manufacturer has provided "excellent" aftersales support.
"We expect that the aircraft's unique capabilities, proven reliability and best-in-class environmental footprint will continue to generate sales globally and that we will build on our diversified customer base," says De Havilland Canada chief operating officer Todd Young.
He says the new Air Tanzania agreement "signals the carrier’s confidence" in the Dash 8 programme's future.
