PW
PRF
31
Last updated: January 28, 2026
About
Precision Air Services Plc is a Tanzanian airline headquartered in Dar es Salaam at Julius Nyerere International Airport. Founded in 1991 by entrepreneur Michael Ngaleku Shirima as a private charter service, the airline began scheduled commercial operations in 1993 using a single Piper Aztec aircraft to serve tourists visiting the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater from its original base in Arusha.
In 2003, Kenya Airways acquired a 49% stake in Precision Air for US$2 million, establishing a strategic partnership that continues today. Kenya Airways currently owns 41.23% of the airline. On December 21, 2011, Precision Air made history as the first airline in Tanzania to list on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange, with over 7,000 investors acquiring shares. The airline achieved another milestone in 2012 as the first carrier in the world to operate the ATR 42-600 turboprop.
Today, Precision Air operates a fleet of nine ATR aircraft connecting domestic Tanzanian destinations and regional routes to Nairobi and Entebbe. The airline focuses on serving both business travelers and the vital tourism sector, providing connections to safari hotspots, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar. Through its partnership with Kenya Airways and codeshare agreements with RwandAir and LAM Mozambique, Precision Air offers connectivity to the broader African network.
Hubs & Focus Cities
Airports where Precision Air operates 5+ routes
Network
11 airports served
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Observed Flights
Callsigns tracked for Precision Air (PRF) - 4 unique callsigns observed
Baggage Policy
Carry-On Allowance
Cabin Bag (included on all fares):
- Dimensions: 55 x 38 x 20 cm (22" x 15" x 8")
- Maximum weight: 7 kg (15 lbs)
- Must fit in overhead bin
| Class | Cabin Bag | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | 1 bag | 7 kg (15 lbs) |
Checked Baggage
Precision Air provides a generous free checked baggage allowance on all fares.
All Routes (Domestic & International):
| Class | Included | Weight per Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | 1 bag | 23 kg (50 lbs) |
Infants (not occupying a seat): 10 kg (22 lbs) plus a collapsible stroller free of charge.
Maximum Size: 158 cm (62 in) linear dimensions (length + width + height)
Overweight & Oversized Fees
Overweight Bags (23-32 kg):
| Route Type | Fee per kg |
|---|---|
| Tanzania domestic | TZS 10,000 (~$4 USD) |
| International/regional | $6 USD |
Heavy Bags (32-50 kg):
- Requires prior approval from Revenue Management
- Tanzania domestic: TZS 300,000 (~$120 USD) flat fee
- International: $200 USD flat fee
Oversized Bags (over 158 cm):
- Requires prior approval
- Contact Precision Air before travel
PAA Royal Member Benefits
Loyalty program members receive extra baggage allowances:
- Silver: 5 kg extra baggage allowance
- Gold: 10 kg extra baggage allowance
- Tanzanite: 15 kg free excess baggage on every flight
Special Items
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Car seat | Free | For traveling children |
| Stroller | Free | Gate-check available |
| Collapsible stroller (infant) | Free | Included with infant baggage |
| Wheelchair | Free | Assistive devices free |
Fees verified January 2026. Verify at precisionairtz.com before traveling.
In-Flight Experience
Precision Air operates an all-ATR turboprop fleet with a single Economy Class cabin configured in a 2-2 seating arrangement.
Fleet
| Aircraft | Seats | Configuration | Routes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATR 72-500 | 68-72 | 2-2 | Longer domestic, regional |
| ATR 42-600 | 48-50 | 2-2 | Shorter domestic routes |
| ATR 42-500 | 46-48 | 2-2 | Domestic routes |
Seating
- Configuration: 2-2 layout ensures every passenger has either a window or aisle seat
- Seat type: Green leather economy seats
- Legroom: Adequate for short-haul flights (flights typically 45 minutes to 2 hours)
- No seat recline on most ATR flights due to short flight times
In-Flight Service
Complimentary on all flights:
- Light refreshments (snacks, nuts, small sandwiches)
- Soft drinks and juices
- Alcoholic beverages available
Given the short flight durations (typically under 2 hours), Precision Air provides appropriate snack service rather than full meals. Passengers generally report friendly cabin crew and efficient service.
Entertainment
- No seatback entertainment systems - ATR turboprops are not equipped with IFE
- No WiFi available
- Scenic views of Tanzania's landscapes from large windows
Tip: Bring your own entertainment for the flight. Window seats offer excellent views of the Serengeti plains, Lake Victoria, and Mount Kilimanjaro on relevant routes.
Tips & Tricks
Booking
- Book directly at precisionairtz.com for better support during disruptions
- Compare with Air Tanzania and Kenya Airways for overlapping routes
- Book early for peak safari seasons (June-October dry season, December-February)
- Check Kenya Airways codeshare flights for additional connection options
Safari & Tourism Connections
Precision Air excels at connecting tourists to Tanzania's highlights:
- Serengeti: Fly to Seronera airstrip for direct park access
- Kilimanjaro climbers: JRO is close to park gates; connect from DAR or NBO
- Zanzibar beach: Direct flights from DAR, JRO, and Mwanza
- Lake Victoria: MWZ hub provides access to western Tanzania
Codeshare Partners:
- Kenya Airways (KQ) - extensive African network
- RwandAir (WB) - connections via Kigali
- LAM Mozambique (TM) - Southern African links
At the Airport
- DAR can be busy during peak hours - arrive with time to spare
- JRO is smaller and more straightforward
- ATR aircraft have limited overhead bin space - pack efficiently
- Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS); USD widely accepted for tourist services
Avoiding Issues
- 7 kg carry-on limit can be enforced - weigh bags before travel
- Reconfirm flights 24-48 hours before departure
- Allow buffer time for connections, especially through DAR
- Bring entertainment for the flight (no seatback screens or WiFi)
Best Value
- 23 kg free checked baggage is generous compared to many regional carriers
- PAA Royal Tanzanite tier unlocks 15 kg free excess - valuable for safari gear
- Compare one-way prices; sometimes cheaper than round-trip
- Domestic flights can be more affordable and faster than overland transfers
Common Pitfalls
- Cannot earn Kenya Airways Flying Blue miles despite ownership stake
- PAA Royal program is standalone - not part of any alliance
- Schedule changes can occur - monitor bookings
- Regional airports may have basic facilities
- No meal service (snacks only) - eat before longer flights if needed
Last updated: January 2026

