Air Tanzania’s A220-300 is a key part of the national carrier’s regional network. Built by Airbus as part of the A220 family, the twin-engine jet is designed for routes that are too busy for a turboprop but too short for a wide-body. This guide covers the history of the type, the specifications of the Air Tanzania A220-300, its cabin, safety systems and routes, and what the aircraft means for the airline.
How the Airbus A220-300 came to be
The aircraft began life as the Bombardier CS300, part of the C Series programme that Canada’s Bombardier launched in 2008. The CS300 first flew on 27 February 2015 and entered service with launch operator airBaltic in December 2016. In July 2018 Airbus took a majority stake in the programme and renamed the CS100 and CS300 the A220-100 and A220-300.
Today the A220 is assembled in Mirabel, Quebec, and Mobile, Alabama. The larger A220-300 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW1500G geared turbofan engines, and after a 2021 increase in maximum take-off weight it can fly up to about 3,550 nautical miles (6,570 km).
Air Tanzania A220-300 specifications at a glance
Air Tanzania became the first African operator of the A220 when it received its first A220-300 in December 2018, followed by a second aircraft in January 2019. The airline operates four of the type, each configured with 132 seats: 12 in business class and 120 in economy.
Key figures for the A220-300 include a typical cruising speed of Mach 0.82, a maximum take-off weight of about 70.9 tonnes (156,000 lb) and enough range to link Dar es Salaam non-stop with cities across East, Central and Southern Africa. Its wing and engines are designed to burn less fuel than older aircraft of a similar size.
Inside the cabin: seats and passenger comfort
Step inside the Air Tanzania A220-300 and you will find a single-aisle cabin with a two-plus-three seat layout in economy, which means fewer middle seats than on many narrow-body jets. Business class sits at the front of the aircraft with more space and legroom.
The A220 family is known for large windows and comparatively wide economy seats for an aircraft of its size, and its geared turbofan engines make it noticeably quieter than older jets. Onboard services such as meals and entertainment vary by route, so check what is offered when you book.
Safety systems and flight controls
The A220-300 uses a full fly-by-wire flight control system with sidestick controllers, in which the pilots’ inputs are transmitted electronically rather than through mechanical linkages. Flight envelope protection helps keep the aircraft within safe limits, and the modern glass cockpit gives pilots integrated displays of navigation, engine and system data.
An aircraft’s design is only part of the safety picture; maintenance, crew training and regulatory oversight matter just as much. Travellers who want an independent view of any airline’s status can check sources such as the European Union’s Air Safety List and announcements from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority.
Where the A220 fits in Air Tanzania’s fleet
Air Tanzania’s fleet is built around a few types, each with a clear job. Alongside its A220-300s, the airline has flown Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners on long-haul routes, Boeing 737 MAX 9s on medium-haul services and De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 turboprops on shorter domestic routes, plus a Boeing 767-300F freighter for cargo.
The A220 sits between the 76-seat Dash 8-400 and the 181-seat 737 MAX 9. With 132 seats it suits busy domestic and regional routes where a turboprop is too small, and its newer engines burn less fuel per seat than the older jets it was designed to replace.
Routes flown by the Air Tanzania A220-300
Air Tanzania operates from its hub at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, and the A220 is mainly used on busy domestic trunk routes and regional international routes in East, Central and Southern Africa. Dar es Salaam to Nairobi is one of the regional routes it has served, and the airline’s network has included destinations such as Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and Mwanza at home and Nairobi, Entebbe, Lusaka and Johannesburg in the region.
Aircraft assignments change with demand and the season, so check the current timetable on Air Tanzania’s official website before booking. If you are flying to Kenya, our look at Dar to Nairobi fares on Air Tanzania explains what affects the price.
Fuel efficiency: why Air Tanzania chose the Airbus A220-300
For any airline, fuel is one of the largest costs, so an aircraft that burns less per seat makes routes easier to sustain. Airbus says the A220 burns up to 25% less fuel per seat than the previous-generation aircraft it replaces, which also means lower carbon dioxide emissions per passenger, and its engines produce a much smaller noise footprint around airports.
The A220 is built in Canada and the United States, with parts supplied by manufacturers around the world. For Tanzania, the main economic benefit comes from connectivity: reliable regional air links support tourism, trade and business travel, all of which contribute to economic growth.
What’s next for Air Tanzania’s A220-300 fleet
Air Tanzania has grown its fleet steadily since the government began renewing it in 2016, adding the A220s alongside Dreamliners, Dash 8s and, more recently, 737 MAX aircraft. Any further A220 orders would be announced by the airline or the government, so follow Air Tanzania’s official announcements for the latest fleet plans.
Because the A220 is still in production, operators benefit from ongoing improvements, such as the 2021 increase in take-off weight that extended the aircraft’s range.
The Air Tanzania A220-300 in summary
The Air Tanzania A220-300 gives the national carrier a modern, efficient jet for its busy domestic and regional routes. With 132 seats, a quiet cabin, fly-by-wire controls and a range of about 3,550 nautical miles, it bridges the gap between the airline’s turboprops and its larger Boeing jets.
If you are flying with Air Tanzania within East Africa, there is a good chance you will board an A220. Check your booking for the aircraft type, choose a window seat to make the most of the large windows, and enjoy the view over Tanzania.
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