Turkish Airlines on Wednesday launched its maiden flight to Kilimanjaro from Istanbul via Kenya's coastal city of Mombasa, bringing too much hope to Tanzania's booming tourist industry and horticultural sector.
The 200th Turkish flag carrier touched the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) in the morning and welcomed by Tanzanian high-ranking officials and business community.
Speaking soon after the launch, President and CEO of Turkish Airlines TemelKotil said Tanzania is one of the countries in Africa whose economies are growing steadily, boasting potential for the airline industry.
This is the second route for the Istanbul-based company to operate in the East African country, whose economy largely depends on agricultural, mining and tourism.
In June last year, the company opened the Dar es Salaam- Istanbul direct flight.
"We have been dreaming to fly to Tanzania and particularly Kilimanjaro…our dreams is about Africa and we have started fulfilling the dream," Kotil said, adding that his company is set to launch seven new routes in African countries next year.
"Our task right now is to see how we can link Africa with the outside world through our airlines," he said.
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