Tanzania is experiencing a period of significant economic growth and infrastructural development, positioning itself as a rising star in East Africa. The country’s real GDP growth is projected at 5.7% in 2024, driven by key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
Amid this momentum, the aviation industry is also booming, with Premier Air, known commercially as Fly Sunbird, redefining what it means to fly in the country. The company has built a business that combines emergency medical services, tourism, and charter flights, creating a foundation for sustainable growth while delivering real impact.
While aviation may seem niche, it’s exactly the kind of industry where long-term thinking, local expertise, and careful execution create enormous value. Premier Air isn’t just flying helicopters, it’s building an entire ecosystem for aviation in Tanzania.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are at the core of Premier Air’s operations. The company provides helicopter-based medical evacuations for government agencies, private institutions, and sectors such as oil, gas, mining, tourism, and national parks. In Tanzania, where over 70% of the population resides in rural areas with limited access to healthcare facilities, EMS plays a crucial role in bridging the healthcare gap. However, the country faces challenges in emergency care, with a significant portion of individuals experiencing delays in accessing timely medical attention.
These EMS missions are contract-driven, providing Premier Air with predictable revenue and operational stability. Each contract influences fleet expansion and investment decisions, ensuring the deployment of appropriate aircraft for each mission. Safety and efficiency are paramount, and Premier Air treats its responsibility to save lives with the utmost seriousness.
Tourism in Tanzania has experienced remarkable growth, with international arrivals reaching a record 2.14 million in 2024, marking an 18.5% increase from the previous year. In destinations like Zanzibar, where hotels and resorts are scattered across the island, helicopter transfers provide a faster and safer alternative to road travel. Visitors can fly directly from the airport to landing zones, hotels, or even private islands, saving hours while enjoying a seamless travel experience. This rising demand for efficient and premium transport creates a strong opportunity for profitable operations and predictable revenue for Premier Air.
Tantel Holdings invested in Premier Air because the company combines strong leadership with an ambitious vision. Tanzania’s aviation sector remains underdeveloped and dominated by foreign operators. Expertise is scarce, and the capital requirements are high. Premier Air’s local presence and strategic approach create a unique advantage.
The company is also building an ecosystem that extends beyond flights. Premier Air is establishing an aviation academy to train new helicopter pilots and developing local maintenance facilities to reduce reliance on services abroad. These initiatives lower costs, support fleet growth, and strengthen the broader aviation sector in Tanzania.
Technology and sustainability are central to the company’s strategy. A proprietary booking and data management system enables route optimization, cost predictions, and operational improvements. The system reduces fuel consumption and emissions, making the fleet more environmentally friendly while improving efficiency.
The long-term vision is to make aviation accessible, affordable, and reliable across Tanzania. Premier Air aims to cooperate with government and private partners, expand fleet and technology capabilities, build local maintenance infrastructure, and pass the resulting savings to customers. The ultimate goal is a one-stop aviation hub that combines world-class emergency medical services, efficient tourism logistics, advanced technology, and local training and maintenance.
Premier Air is more than a helicopter company. It is creating the infrastructure, talent, and operational excellence needed to transform Tanzania’s aviation landscape. By connecting people, places, and services, the company is building a model that demonstrates how local expertise and strategic investment can create lasting impact.
