Air Tanzania has set its sights on direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Bujumbura, Burundi, as part of its route expansion in East Africa.

Ladislaus Matindi, Air Tanzania DG, said the service would enable tourists from Tanzania to access Burundi’s Kibira National Park, Rurubu River and Lake Tanganyika.

“We will expand our network to Burundi, strategically targeting passengers flying to Dar es Salaam from Bujumbura, for travellers to enjoy their trips in the two East African countries,” said Matindi.

He said the airline also planned to expand its services to the region and other parts of the world.

Last year, the carrier received two Bombardier Q400 aircraft that were bought by the Tanzanian government from Canada.

The Tanzania Government Flight Agency also ordered a CS300 aircraft, a Q400 and a Boeing 787 Dreamliner to bolster Air Tanzania’s route expansion programme.

Recently, Tanzania’s Transport Minister, Makame Mbarawa, while presenting budget estimates for the financial year 2017/2018, said the government would purchase two new aircraft next year.

He said the CS300 can carry 127 passengers and the Boeing 787, 262 passengers.