By Business Insider Reporter

Coastal Aviation, commonly known as Coastal Air, has once again cemented its reputation as a premier provider of domestic flights, being named Tanzania’s Leading Domestic Safari Carrier for 2024.

The award, was announced and given at the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2024, hosted at Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani Beach, Kenya last weekend.

Graham Cooke, Founder of the World Travel Awards, praised the event, stating, “It has been a privilege to welcome our winners from every corner of Africa to celebrate with us in Kenya’s beautiful Diani Beach.

The incredible evening will live long in everyone’s memory. Our winners represent stellar examples of tourism excellence, and I congratulate everyone for helping raise the collective benchmark of Africa’s thriving tourism economy to even greater heights.”

The honor celebrates Coastal Air’s unwavering commitment to providing world-class service to safari-goers and domestic travelers alike.

This accolade showcases how Coastal Air plays a vital role in supporting Tanzania’s thriving tourism industry. By offering convenient, tailored, and eco-friendly services, Coastal Air caters to a diverse range of tourists, from luxury travelers to adventurers looking for authentic and immersive safari experiences.

Coastal Air clinched the honor from Auric Air which dominated the award for the last eight years in which Coastal was also nominated for the award seven times in 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and this year.

The prestigious awarding event brought together travel industry leaders from across the continent to honor organizations that are driving excellence and innovation in the sector.

Since its establishment in 1993, the World Travel Awards (WTA) has become the most distinguished recognition program in the travel and tourism industry.

It aims to celebrate and reward outstanding achievements in all areas of tourism, setting the standard for quality that others aspire to reach.

Winning a WTA is considered the ultimate hallmark of achievement, and award recipients set the standards others aspire to reach.

WTA hosts regional gala ceremonies worldwide, recognising individual and collective accomplishments in vital geographical areas.

Coastal Air is a Tanzanian airline that specialises in scheduled and charter flights. It primarily serves the tourism industry.

Since its founding in 1987, the airline has developed an extensive domestic network, linking significant destinations such as Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha, and Kilimanjaro.

This network connects travelers to renowned attractions like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Ruaha National Park, and Selous Game Reserve.

The recognition of Coastal Air as Tanzania’s leading safari carrier comes two years after Tanzanian billionaire Rostam Aziz announced his acquisition of a 51% stake in Coastal Aviation through his company, Taifa Aviation, in September 2022.

Aziz, renowned for his diverse investments across telecommunications, mining, real estate, and energy, viewed the purchase as a strategic opportunity to extend his reach into the aviation sector.

The acquisition was intended to bolster Coastal Aviation’s market position by utilising Aziz’s resources and business insight to improve operations and broaden the airline’s service offerings.

The Tanzanian billionaire’s investment strategy focuses on industries with significant growth potential or sectors that can enhance Tanzania’s infrastructure and economic development.

The acquisition of Coastal Aviation aligns with this approach, as the airline is vital to Tanzania’s tourism sector, connecting key destinations and facilitating travel to remote safari locations.

The move is part of a broader strategy to capitalise on the country’s tourism industry, a significant contributor to the economy, while meeting the increased demand for domestic and international travel.

Before Aziz’s involvement, Coastal Aviation was wholly owned by Italian-American investor Carolina Colangelo, who is now a minority shareholder.

Industry experts at the time of the acquisition, following the entry of Taifa Aviation, anticipated increased competition among Tanzania’s leading airlines, including Auric Air and Salaam Air.

According to data from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), in 2022, Coastal Air achieved its fastest growth rate since its establishment. With a market share of 3%, it was then ranked as the fourth-largest airline in Tanzania.

Air Tanzania Company Ltd held the top position, commanding 52.9% of the market share.

A leader in safari air travel

Operating for over 30 years, Coastal Air has become synonymous with reliable and convenient air travel to Tanzania’s most iconic safari destinations.

The comprehensive network across Tanzania’s safari circuit, combined with Coastal Air’s commitment to customer service and safety, has set it apart from competitors in the region.

With the growing importance of domestic air travel in supporting Tanzania’s booming tourism sector, Coastal Air’s strategic partnerships with luxury lodges, tour operators, and conservation groups have made it a key player in the sustainable tourism landscape.

Safari by Air

Coastal Air has perfected the “fly-in safari” model, offering travelers a seamless transition from bustling city airports to remote airstrips deep within Tanzania’s wildlife reserves.

Their flexible daily schedules and multiple connections from key hubs, including Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International Airport, and Zanzibar, provide tourists with easy access to the wilderness.

One of the airline’s signature services is the Northern Circuit, connecting Arusha, Manyara, and the Serengeti, a favorite route for tourists embarking on the Great Migration adventure.

Coastal Air also plays a pivotal role in southern Tanzania, with flights to Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park, providing visitors with access to some of the most untouched and wild regions of the country.

Exceptional Customer Service

One of the key reasons Coastal Air won this award is its continued investment in customer service and its modern fleet.

Coastal Air operates a fleet of small aircraft, including Cessna Grand Caravans and Pilatus planes, suitable for bush flying and landing on short airstrips in national parks.

These aircraft are known for their safety, reliability, and ability to land in remote locations, offering passengers stunning views of Tanzania’s landscapes from above.

The airline’s onboard service focuses on comfort and the safari experience, offering passengers insights into the parks they’re about to visit. Furthermore, Coastal Air’s staff is praised for their personalized attention, ensuring that even in small planes, travelers feel cared for.