Brussels Airlines to Launch Direct Flights to Kilimanjaro in 2026

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Brussels Airlines to Launch Direct Flights to Kilimanjaro in 2026 Brussels, Belgium – November 2025  Brussels Airlines has announced that it will launch direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Tanzania starting June 3, 2026, strengthening the connection between Europe and East Africa. The airline will operate two weekly flights, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, using the Airbus A330-300 aircraft configured in three classes - Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. The route will follow a triangular pattern: Brussels → Kilimanjaro → Nairobi → Brussels. About Brussels Airlines Brussels Airlines is the flag carrier of Belgium and a member of the Lufthansa Group - one of Europe’s largest airline networks. The airline is also part of the Star Alliance, giving passengers global connectivity through code-sharing and coordinated routes with other major carriers. From its hub at Brussels Airport (BRU), the airline serves more than 80 destinations across Europe, A...
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NIT Inaugurated as East Africa's First EASA Part-66 Examination Center.

NIT Inaugurated as East Africa’s First EASA Part-66 Examination Center

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – In a landmark move poised to transform aviation maintenance education and bolster Africa’s air transport sector, the National Institute of Transport (NIT) has inaugurated East Africa’s first European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part-66 Examination Center for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering.

The launch ceremony—attended by the Director General of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) alongside key government and industry figures—marks a pivotal moment for the region. It directly addresses Africa’s projected shortage of skilled aviation professionals and positions Tanzania as a regional leader in aviation technical training.

Inauguration of NIT as EASA Training and Examination Centre 


A Regional Game-Changer: EASA Certification Comes to Tanzania

The new center is the result of a strategic partnership between NIT, Aerolink Solutions Tanzania Ltd, and the Athens Aviation Training Organization (AATO). It enables aspiring engineers to pursue globally recognized EASA Part-66 Aircraft Maintenance Licence (AML) certifications locally without the previous need for expensive international travel.

Eng. Dr. Prosper Mgaya, Rector of NIT. Said

This initiative directly addresses the acute shortage of aviation professionals in Africa, projected to need tens of thousands of new engineers by 2040, 

By producing certified engineers locally, Tanzania will narrow the skills gap, create jobs, and strengthen its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capacity.



Partnership Spotlight: NIT, Aerolink, and AATO Drive Standards of Excellence

Partner Role in the EASA Program Key Contribution
National Institute of Transport (NIT) Host Institution & Academic Base Provides modernized facilities and integrates the EASA syllabus into its Bachelor’s program in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. The institute also employs certified Tanzanian instructors to deliver EASA modules.
Aerolink Solutions Tanzania Ltd Strategic Partner & EASA Compliance Bridge Oversees technical compliance, organizes examination sittings, and coordinates with European partners. Led by Eng. Edith Kisamo, the first Tanzanian woman to obtain an EASA B1 license, ensuring high international standards.
Athens Aviation Training Organization (AATO) International Certification Authority Provides European oversight and validation under EASA Part-147, guaranteeing the global recognition of all certificates issued in Tanzania.


The EASA framework tests candidates in up to 17 technical modules, ranging from physics and aerodynamics to advanced aircraft systems, allowing qualification for B1 (Mechanical) and B2 (Avionics) license categories.

Building Local Expertise and Future MRO Capacity

The World Bank-supported East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP) funded major infrastructure upgrades at NIT to meet EASA standards.

NIT Training Simulator 







Eight Tanzanian instructors have now been certified by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) - the first EASA-approved instructors in East Africa - ensuring the sustainability and quality of local training.

The Chief Executive Officer of Aerolink, Eng.Edith Kisamo, emphasized the expansive vision of Aerolink to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub for aviation in Tanzania. This hub aims to cater to the continent's increasing fleet while also attracting international investment.

The Road Ahead

The event concluded with the official opening of the EASA Part-66 Center and the awarding of certificates to NIT’s newly qualified instructors.


Tanzania’s aviation sector now stands at the forefront of regional capability development - turning education into economic growth and marking a decisive step toward self-sufficiency in aircraft maintenance expertise.

Sources:

  • National Institute of Transport (NIT)
  • Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA)
  • Aerolink Solutions Tanzania Ltd




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