Auric Air to embark on expansion strategy after securing second Dash 8 aircraft

Avmac announced that it has sold one De Havilland DHC 8-200 to the Tanzania based airline Auric Air. The aircraft bears the serial number MSN 469, with its current registration being C-GKJV.

Senior VP and Head of Avmax Aircraft Leasing Inc, Scott Greig,  said in a statement, “We are delighted that Auric Air has purchased its second Dash 8 from Avmax, the ideal aircraft type for their needs.”

“Auric Air continues to grow as the premier safari airline in Tanzania due to its excellent product and service offering to customers.”

“Avmax is excited to be working with Auric Air once again and we look forward to growing our relationship as they expand their fleet further.”

The statement made by the Senior VP of Avmax shows the potential growth of Auric Air being a premium-leisure safari airline, which provides air services for tourists indulging in a safari tour in the country.

The privately owned airline also acts as an important transport link for locals in a country where ground transportation is inadequate.

The first Dash 8-200 of Auric Air is registered as 5H-MFH, and the carrier took delivery of the Canadian workhorse in early 2022. This is the airline’s first venture into twin engine aircraft, or rather a ‘full-sized’ airliner, from a Cessna Caravan centric feet.

Managing Director at Auric Air, Nurmohamed Hussein, said: “Auric Air is very pleased to leverage our existing relationship with Avmax to acquire additional aircraft.”

“The transaction process was smooth and straightforward, which we appreciate greatly. Having this second Dash 8-200 will help us to fulfil our growing passenger demand in Tanzania.”

Better Capacity

With the airline operating with two Dash DHC 8-200’s the airline is better prepared to welcome an inflow of premium passengers. During COVID, Tanzania is one of the few countries which took a relaxed approach to the pandemic.

This means that tourists especially premium and wealthy travellers flocked to the country with business jets. The airline sees many charter inquiries, especially on their Cessna Caravans.

This means, the airline thrived during the covid-19 pandemic with the airlines increasing in the charter business, by wealthy individuals, companies for instance to minimise viral infection.

Good Positioning

Like many airlines in the African country, many carriers did not survive the pandemic and may cease to operate in the long run due to management and financial issues.

Auric Air, with its fleet of 14 strong Cessna Caravans and now the added 2 Dash 8s can fill gaps in the country’s route network.

The airline has a good shot in securing lucrative routes and destinations where the nation’s flag carrier Air Tanzania does not operate. With Air Tanzania re-structuring and modernising its fleet, this presents a viable competition to Auric Air.

80% of Auric’s Air traffic are tourists, and with the airline based out of Tanzania’s second largest city Mwazna, the airline is poised to better serve impressive destinations in the country, many having unpaved runways.