Planning a trip across East Africa is one of the most exciting and challenging experiences a traveler can embark on. If you are putting together an itinerary that includes climbing the imposing Mount Kilimanjaro, going on safaris in the Serengeti, or venturing to rare Indian Ocean destinations—like the mysterious Comoro Islands—you will inevitably run into Precision Air.

Considered one of the main and most traditional airlines in Tanzania, Precision Air operates an extensive regional network. However, because it is not the state-owned flag carrier (a title held by Air Tanzania), many travelers wonder: Is Precision Air reliable? What is the in-flight service like? Is it worth flying with them?

To answer these questions, I boarded an international flight with the airline departing from its hub in Dar es Salaam toward Moroni, the capital of the isolated Comoros archipelago. In this complete article, I will share my end-to-end experience, covering check-in, delays, turboprop aircraft comfort, airport tips, and whether the airline truly deserves a spot on your East Africa travel plans.

Or watch my review:

Who Is Precision Air and Why Is It Important in Tanzania?

Founded in the 1990s, Precision Air started as a small air taxi company aimed at serving tourists looking for safaris in national parks. Over the decades, the company grew exponentially and established itself as one of Tanzania’s largest private airlines.

An intriguing geopolitical and aviation detail is that Kenya Airways (Kenya’s aviation giant) holds a strategic equity stake in Precision Air. This strengthens connections between the two neighboring countries, which engage in a friendly rivalry over East Africa’s tourist trade.

Based out of Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, the airline is a key player connecting Tanzania’s largest metropolis to iconic destinations such as:

• Kilimanjaro / Arusha: The gateways for trekking Africa’s highest peak and northern circuit safaris.
• Zanzibar: The paradise island in the Indian Ocean.
• Mwanza and Kigoma: Connections to the African Great Lakes region.
• Regional International Routes: Strategic flights to Nairobi (Kenya) and the Comoros archipelago (flying to the islands of Grande Comore and Anjouan).

The Pre-Flight Experience: Terminal 2 at Dar es Salaam Airport and Check-in

The journey begins at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, and this is where you need to pay close attention to your ticket so you don’t get caught off guard.

The Terminal Trap

Dar es Salaam has very distinct passenger terminals:

• Terminal 3: The modern, spacious international terminal with effective air conditioning, VIP lounges, and a great selection of restaurants.
• Terminal 2: The older terminal. Although it handles domestic operations and a few regional flights, the facilities leave much to be desired.

Unfortunately, Precision Air’s flight to Comoros departed from Terminal 2. The experience there was challenging: a hot environment, very few food or drink options, no working water fountains, and unstable Wi-Fi.

Check-in and Schedule Changes

The check-in process at the counter was relatively fast, but individual processing took longer due to the final destination. Because Comoros is a country with a semi-autocratic political regime and very low tourist traffic, agents check visas and documents with extreme care.

Keep an eye on schedules: Precision Air has a known history of frequent flight schedule adjustments. In my case, the flight underwent two significant schedule changes weeks before the trip (both on the outbound and return legs). On departure day, takeoff was delayed by about 1 hour and 45 minutes beyond the scheduled time. If you have tight connections in Tanzania, never book tickets with a short layover between Precision Air flights.

The Aircraft: What Is It Like Flying on the ATR 72 Turboprop?

Precision Air’s fleet consists mostly of turboprop aircraft from the French-Italian manufacturer ATR, competing directly with Bombardier aircraft (such as the Dash 8 Q400 frequently used by competitor Air Tanzania).

Cabin Layout and Comfort

The flight to Moroni was operated by an ATR 72. The interior seating layout follows a standard 2×2 configuration:

• Seats: Upholstered in leather, the seats are slightly older with visible signs of wear, but reasonably comfortable for short-to-medium-haul flights.
• Legroom: Decent for someone of average height. However, depending on the seat, the metal frame fixing the seat in front can limit the space where you place your backpack under the seat.
• Cabin Climate: During boarding and taxiing on the tarmac in Dar es Salaam, the cabin felt quite stuffy and warm, as the air conditioning only started working fully after the aircraft started its engines and gained altitude.

In-Flight Entertainment

While there are no individual seatback screens (which is standard for turboprop aircraft on regional flights), Precision Air offers an internal Wi-Fi streaming entertainment system. You can connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to the aircraft’s network to access a digital catalog with movies, shows, and flight information.

In-Flight Service and Flight Views

After takeoff and leveling off, the crew began the in-flight service. The flight time between Dar es Salaam and the capital of Comoros is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

What Is Served on the Flight?

The complimentary service included:

• A choice of beverage (orange juice or water);
• A packet of local cashew nuts.

Although the cashew pack was of excellent quality (Tanzania produces top-tier cashews), considering the high price charged for international tickets to Comoros, it felt like the airline could offer a slightly more substantial snack or a light sandwich option.

Aerial Views Along the Route

One of the great advantages of flying on turboprop aircraft is that they cruise at slightly lower altitudes compared to large commercial jets. On clear days, the route between Tanzania and Comoros offers memorable aerial scenery.

Cruising over the Indian Ocean, you can spot coral reefs, the famous Mafia Island with its vibrant turquoise waters, and, on the final approach to Grande Comore, the volcanic outlines and dense vegetation surrounding Moroni’s airport.

Practical Tips for Flying with Precision Air

To ensure your experience with Precision Air goes as smoothly as possible, keep these valuable recommendations in mind:

1. Allow Generous Connection Times

Delays and schedule changes happen with relative frequency on regional routes across East Africa. If you need to connect from a Precision Air domestic flight to a long-haul international flight back home, plan to stay at least one night in the connecting city (such as Dar es Salaam or Nairobi).

2. Prepare for the Lack of Facilities at Terminal 2

If your flight departs from Terminal 2 in Dar es Salaam, bring your own sealed water bottle (purchased before security) or fill up beforehand, and pack extra snacks in your bag, as food options airside are very limited.

3. Mind Carry-On Baggage Limits

Because these are smaller turboprop planes, overhead bin space is quite restricted. International-sized rigid carry-on suitcases may not fit in the cabin overhead bins and will need to be gate-checked before boarding.

4. Have All Destination Documents Ready

When flying to off-the-beaten-path international destinations (like the Comoro Islands), ground staff are strict at check-in. Keep printed copies of your accommodation bookings, return tickets, and proof of funds to avoid delays when receiving your boarding pass.

Final Verdict: Is Precision Air Worth It?

Yes, Precision Air is worth it, primarily due to the lack of alternative options on many strategic regional routes. It fulfills its core mission of taking you safely from point A to point B in one of the most fascinating and geographically complex regions on the planet.

While it faces challenges with punctuality and route schedule adjustments, and offers modest in-flight catering given certain ticket prices, the airline remains an indispensable option for anyone looking to fulfill their dream of a safari in Tanzania, relaxing on Zanzibar’s beaches, or exploring exotic destinations off the beaten path.