Mbeya — THE Minister for Transport, Dr Harisson Mwakyembe, has invited private companies interested in jet fuel supply business in Songwe Airport in Mbeya to file applications for immediate appraisal.

The appeal by the minister follows completion of construction work of the airport to allow landing of larger passenger aircraft that requires more of refuelling services. Briefing the minister on the progress of Songwe Airport built to meet international standards, the Director General of the Tanzania Aviation Authority (TAA), Engineer Seleman Seleman, said all necessary services are available at the airport except that elaborate services on jet fueling were needed.

"While aircrafts have started landing at Songwe International Airport, it lacks extensive jet fuel services to allow larger aircraft to land.

"For the passenger aircraft to land here, proprietors of aircraft companies should focus on undertakings to the convenience of passengers," Eng Seleman explained.

He said representatives from the Precision Air Company have already visited the airport and indicated willingness to start providing air services to Mbeya soon. Also officials from Fast-jet Company, he added, were set to visit the area today (January 5) to see if they can also start flying to the area.

Dr Mwakyembe said that the government had offered the opportunity to private companies so those interested could invest in the area.

He announced that the government has set aside 500m/- for road construction around the airport and the road leading to the airport.