Boeing said it delivered Africa's first 767 freighter to Air Tanzania.

The airplane arrived on June 3 at the airline's hub in Dar es Salaam and will provide the operator with dedicated air freight capacity to serve the country's growing cargo market.

"The delivery also marks the first direct 767 Freighter delivery from Boeing to an African carrier," the American planemaker said.

Eng. Ladislaus Matindi, Air Tanzania managing director, noted the growing cargo demand in Africa that the freighter will serve.

"We are thrilled to welcome the 767-300 Boeing Freighter to our fleet. The 767 will cater to the growing cargo demand, which was previously carried by passenger airplanes," Matindi said.

"The 767 will enable Air Tanzania to support a journey towards a more sustainable future and time-critical cargo schedules across Africa and beyond," he added. 

"We are looking forward to expanding our imports and exports industry that require timely delivery," Matindi further said, boring that the arrival of the airplane will "open opportunities for global businesses to transport commercial cargo goods to various parts of the world, which will boost national economic growth."

Boeing said the 767-300 Freighter's excellent fuel efficiency, operational flexibility and low noise levels would enable Air Tanzania to support time-critical cargo schedules across Africa and beyond.

The carrier is capable of flying 3,255 nautical miles with a revenue payload of more than 52 tonnes, the 767-300 Freighter is the ideal airplane for growing e-commerce and express cargo markets.

"This is Air Tanzania's first dedicated freighter as the country looks to expand imports and exports of perishable goods, pharmaceuticals and other products that require timely delivery," Boeing said.

Anbessie Yitbarek, vice president of Africa Sales and Marketing Boeing Commercial Airplanes, noted that the 767 Freighter will enable Air Tanzania to significantly grow its existing operations with greater efficiency and flexibility across its network.

"Air Tanzania's cargo customers now have far more options as the airline boosts freight connectivity between Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia," Yitbarek said.

Air Tanzania currently operates commercial service across Africa and to destinations in Asia with a fleet that includes two 787-8 Dreamliners. The airline also has orders for an additional 787-8 and two 737 MAX jets.