Dar Es Salaam — 'THE Wings of Kilimanjaro'-- Air Tanzania Company Ltd (ATCL) - has launched daily flights to Arusha Airport and promised what it described as "superb services to its clients around and beyond the Geneva of Africa."

"Our services are aimed at meeting transport needs for tourists, businessmen and delegates to various international conference held in Arusha," ATCL Acting Commercial Director, Mr Thompson Byarushengo, told the 'Daily News' today.

He said studies have shown that Arusha receives many tourists who need efficient and reliable transport to other important destinations such as Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam.

"Our 50 seater Dash 8 Bombardier will be there to make sure customers enjoy reliable flights from attractions like Ngorongoro, Manyara and Serengeti game reserves who previously had to drive all the way to Kilimanjaro International Airport," he said.

He said ATCL would also serve business people and delegates to international conferences, as well as the general public to fly directly to Arusha instead of KIA.

The Arusha Regional Commissioner, Mr Isidore Shirima, said the company should be prepared for highly competitive climate in the airline industry.

He urged the company to operate cost effectively and timely. "This will make people note and feel the difference," he added.

The RC cautioned workers against the tradition of dishing out free tickets to relatives and friends. He said such a practice of giving the so-called complimentaries "eat away"the airline's profits.

He said the company could do even better with the East Africa hub of possible 80 million passengers who must be well served.

In its first inaugural flight on Wednesday, the airline got 25 passengers to Arusha and Zanzibar destinations.

"I had a very comfortable trip and I think it is a good start but to win more passengers they must be punctual," said Mr Assania Essack at the Zanzibar International Airport.

ATCL is now operating amid tight financial constraints and recently decided to offload 155 workers.