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In a major development for African aviation, South African Airways Technical (SAAT) has secured a comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul contract with Air Tanzania worth an estimated $45 million over five years.
The agreement, signed at the African Airlines Association annual meeting in Nairobi, covers heavy maintenance checks, component repairs, and technical support for Air Tanzania’s growing fleet of Boeing 737 and Airbus A220 aircraft.
Strategic Partnership
Air Tanzania CEO Ladislaus Matindi described the partnership as strategic for the carrier’s expansion plans. “As we grow our fleet and route network, having a reliable regional MRO partner is essential. SAAT’s reputation for quality and their proximity to our operations made them the ideal choice,” Matindi said during the signing ceremony.
“This contract demonstrates the growing confidence in African MRO capabilities and our commitment to keeping African aircraft maintained within the continent.”
— John Kgatle, CEO of South African Airways Technical
SAAT CEO John Kgatle noted that the contract represents a milestone in the company’s recovery and expansion strategy following South African Airways’ restructuring. “This contract demonstrates the growing confidence in African MRO capabilities and our commitment to keeping African aircraft maintained within the continent,” Kgatle stated.
Economic Impact
The deal is expected to create approximately 120 new technical jobs at SAAT’s Johannesburg facility and represents the largest international MRO contract secured by a South African company in the past three years.
Industry analysts view the agreement as a positive sign for intra-African aviation partnerships. “We’re seeing a trend where African airlines are increasingly looking to regional MRO providers rather than sending aircraft overseas for maintenance,” said aviation consultant Sarah Ndlovu.
Capacity Expansion
To accommodate the additional work, SAAT plans to expand its hangar capacity and invest in new diagnostic equipment specifically for the Airbus A220, which represents a new aircraft type for their maintenance portfolio.
The first aircraft under the new contract is scheduled to arrive at SAAT’s Johannesburg facility in January 2025 for a major airframe check.
Air Tanzania operates a mixed fleet of 14 aircraft and has orders for additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which could potentially expand the scope of the maintenance agreement in the future.
