ATCL CEO, Captain Milton Lusajo Lazaro

Newly appointed acting Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) CEO, Captain Milton Lusajo Lazaro, has expressed optimism towards what he referred to as ‘ATCL’s bright future’ in the event that the company’s five year development plan is implemented.

Through a statement issued yesterday, Cpt.Lusajo, promised to use his vast experience in the aviation industry not only to make ATCL competitive but also, a world class service provider.

The captain is a respected member in the aviation industry, not only in East Africa but Africa as a whole. He has under his belt an impressive 12,000 hours of flight and has in the course of his career, held various positions in the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) and ATCL prior to his latest appointment.

He expressed his gratitude saying, “…I am so grateful for the minister’s faith in me and I do accept this appointment with humility.” He went on to assure the nation that he would, “…use my 35 years of experience in the aviation industry to give ATCL a competitive edge.”

Showing his team spirit he pointed out that the most important thing he would rely on is, the support and commitment of his colleagues and the ATCL team in order to achieve set objectives as well as meet the public expectations.

He was positive that the company will not succumb to any interruptions in service despite the recent change in management. He assured their clients that all the company’s flights will continue to take off and land as scheduled.

“There is no reason for the public to worry…” he said, “... what has happened is change of management but the company’s plans and focus remains intact.”

Airing his future plans, Capt. Lazaro added that he will focus on increasing Air Tanzania’s fleet through the acquisition of new airplanes via purchase and leasing facilities in a bid to consolidate the company’s position both domestically and internationally in the next few years.

“ATCL cannot achieve such success without public and Government support...” he cautioned and went on to call upon the public to continue with the spirit of patriotism that was so expressed during what he called, “…the recent upheaval and resulting resumption of our company.”

Stressing his company’s dedication to service and easing any public concerns he maintained, “…my assurance to the public is that my company will continue to deliver excellent services at competitively lower prices…”

Transport Minister, Dr Harrison Mwakyembe nullified the appointment of the Air Tanzania Corporation Limited (ATCL) Acting Managing Director Paul Chizi and suspended four other officials due to violation of public service regulations and failure to manage the company.

The minister will form a special committee of three people with legal and financial knowledge to investigate ATC expenditure compared to its financial report submitted in May, this year.

A press statement issued in Dar es Salaam yesterday by the Transport Ministry and signed by Permanent Secretary Omary Chambo said Dr Mwakyembe has appointed Capt. Lusajo Lazaro to take over his position with effect from yesterday.

The other four officers who have been suspended are John Ringo the Acting Director for Engineering, Amin Mziray, the company’s legal officer, Justus Bashara, Acting Director for Finance and Josephat Kagirwa Acting Director for Business Development.

According to the statement the appointment of Chizi on August 6, last year went against public service management regulations as outlined in the public service management Act no.8 of 2002 and public service regulations No. 17 (4) of 2003.