Arusha. Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) has launched direct cargo flights to Guangzhou, a move hailed as a significant breakthrough by horticultural industry stakeholders who recognize its potential to enhance access to the booming Chinese market.
The inaugural flight from Dar es Salaam to Guangzhou took off on January 12, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for Tanzania’s growing horticultural sector, which is valued in the millions.
With a robust capacity of 54 tonnes, the Boeing 767 freighter is designed for long-haul flights, capable of operating for up to 10 hours without refueling. This aircraft is poised to play a crucial role in boosting Tanzania’s commercial logistics, enabling faster and more efficient trade connections.
Ms. Jacqueline Mkindi, a prominent advocate in the horticultural community, emphasized the benefits of this new route for exporters seeking reliable access to previously untapped yet competitive markets in China. "This freighter opens up tremendous opportunities for exporters of horticultural and perishable goods, allowing them to connect with new customers," she stated.
She urged Tanzanian exporters to explore the advantages of the Boeing 767’s competitive rates and cargo capacity, positioning themselves to capitalize on the expanding market. Ms. Mkindi reinforced the alignment of this flight launch with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s initiatives to tap into China’s $174 million market for Tanzanian avocados, aimed at transforming the nation’s horticultural sector into a significant economic driver.
According to Ms. Mkindi, this strategic move supports Tanzania’s national objective of increasing horticultural export values to $2 billion per year by 2030, a considerable leap from the current $420 million. This growth is expected to create substantial job opportunities for youth and women across the sector.
In December 2024, Air Tanzania received regulatory approval from the Chinese aviation authorities to commence these invaluable direct cargo flights, marking a substantial advancement for avocado exporters in Tanzania. Following the successful arrival of a container of organic avocados in China on November 18, 2024, this milestone heralds significant business potential for local farmers.
Experts predict that these developments will revolutionize the industry, driving greater financial returns for both farmers and exporters. "This initiative will greatly benefit avocado exporters by reducing transportation time, ensuring that products reach Chinese consumers with maximum freshness," Ms. Mkindi added.
Before direct flights were established, shipments of avocados could take over three weeks via sea transport. In contrast, air transport from Dar es Salaam to Beijing takes just over 12 hours, significantly reducing delivery times.
With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, China stands ready to become Tanzania’s leading market for fresh avocados, previously primarily directed toward Europe and the Middle East. Despite being Africa’s third-largest avocado producer, Tanzanian farmers have historically faced barriers to accessing international markets, largely due to insufficient sanitary and phytosanitary measures.
As the horticultural industry embraces this new chapter, the potential for growth and prosperity seems brighter than ever.
