Auric Air has bolstered its capacity for the upcoming safari high season by doubling its fleet of De Havilland Canada Dash 8 turboprop aircraft. The addition of a second Dash 8‑100 brings the carrier’s total to two, complementing its existing fleet primarily composed of Cessna Grand Caravans and a Pilatus PC‑12.
The first Dash 8, introduced in early 2022 through a lease from Canada’s Avmax, proved a hit for its 37‑seat capacity, pressurized cabin, onboard lavatory, and twin‑engine reliability. It began servicing key tourist and regional routes, including connections between Zanzibar, Arusha, Seronera, and Kogatende, offering a faster, more comfortable alternative to Auric’s smaller aircraft.
With the arrival of the second Dash 8 this month—also secured through Avmax—Auric Air is better positioned to maintain service consistency and meet growing demand from safari tourists and regional travellers. The larger aircraft not only reduce cost per seat but also enable expanded flight hours by overcoming single‑engine aircraft night‑flying restrictions.
Managing Director Nurmohamed Hussein said the secondary Dash 8 will serve as a strategic backup and capacity enhancer, ensuring smooth operations even during maintenance periods. The twin‑engine turboprops will also allow flights beyond sunset, supporting travelers on later departures.
The move follows a broader fleet expansion strategy. In May 2025, Auric Air added a second Pilatus PC‑12 to its charter lineup, catering to premium and private safari clients with versatile, turboprop comfort.
With an expanded fleet now including 2 Dash 8‑100s, 2 PC‑12s, and approximately 16 Grand Caravans, Auric Air is gearing up to offer enhanced reliability and service quality during Tanzania’s peak safari and tourism months.
