Air Tanzania’s Impounded Airbus A220 Returns Home From Netherlands
Air Tanzania’s Impounded Airbus A220 Returns Home From Netherlands
Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) aircraft that was seized in the Netherlands seven months ago has been released and returned to Tanzania according to Tanzania government sources.
The embattled aircraft Airbus A220-330 was first seized in December 2022 by a Swedish firm EcoEnergy Limited following the firm’s win of a $165 million lawsuit against the Tanzanian government over the Bagamoyo sugar project.
The company had invested about $52 million to produce sugar and renewable energy, while other stakeholders were ready to invest over $400 million in the project. However, the state revoked the title deeds and challenged the project claiming that the land belonged to Saadani National Park and that the claimant’s sugar cane and ethanol project would adversely impact local wildlife.
EcoEnergy took the matter to court in the Netherlands, filed a breach of contract lawsuit, and claimed damages of up to $165 million against the Tanzanian government. The foreign firm obtained a court order to attach one of ATCL’s Airbus A220-330 aircraft after it landed in Holland.
The Attorney General (AG), Dr Eliezer Feleshi however said in December last year that everything was under control, dispelling fears of possible attachment of an ATCL plane by a Dutch Court.
Following a constructive discussion between the state and the Swedish firm, the single-aisle aircraft has been returned to Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL). Having been stored for over half a year, the jet will undergo repairs before it can resume commercial service for the national carrier.
The chief government spokesperson, Mr Gerson Msigwa confirmed the plane’s return to Tanzania on Thursday, July 6. Mr. Msigwa was speaking on Saturday, July 8, in Arusha ahead of the international anti-graft meeting gathering different stakeholders from the continent commencing on July 9.
“Today, I have good news that following a pending case at the Dutch Court, one of our planes was seized. Fortunately, the plane has returned home after a successful discussion between the two sides,” he said.
He said the plane, Airbus 220, is currently being prepared for resumption of flights to different destinations, noting that it was good news for ATCL.
