Kampala, Uganda -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/19/2010 -- Turkish Airline which makes its maiden direct flight in Tanzania to today has been seen as a big step towards fostering stronger bilateral trade ties between Turkey and Tanzania.

The schedule direct flights from Istanbul to Tanzania bring convenience to travellers between the two countries.

"For those who want to proceed to other European destinations the departure and arrivals have been made very convenient," the Turkish Ambassador to Tanzania, Dr Sander Gurbuz said.

Speaking at his country office in Dar es Salaam, H.E. Ambassador Gurbuz said that between 20,000 and 30,000 Turkish holiday makers and businesspeople will be able to travel to Tanzania annually. A move he has applauded as a giant step towards stronger bilateral trade ties between his government and Tanzania.

For the business people, it is even easier for them to fly by Turkish airline especially from that region, as it is an important hub for many business people.

He also mentioned that other travellers from Bulgaria, Russia, Ukraine and the other European Union countries will be eyeing the flight to visit the country.

Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete recently visited Turkey and aviation business cooperation was among key areas of cooperation between Tanzania and Turkey that was concluded.

Turkish Airline is expected to make a maiden flight here will arrive in Dar es Salaam at 11am.

The aircraft which is wide with a 200-passenger capacity will operate direct services between the two countries landing at the Julius Nyerere International Airport with three weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

The Airlines operates flights in 11 African airports including Nairobi, the newly established destination launched during last weekend's visit in Kenya by the Turkish president.

Other African destinations where the airline operates are Cairo, Addis Ababa, Khartoum, Lagos, Tripoli, Tunis, Algiers, Casablanca, Johannesburg and Cape Town

"Tanzania will be one of the 150 destinations that Turkish airline flies the world over," said Dr Sander Gurbuz.