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Precision Air

Tanzania's private airline, flying to Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti region

  • TanzaniaCountry
  • PWIATA Code
  • PRFICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • RegionalAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Precision Air

Precision Air is Tanzania’s largest private airline, flying from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, Mwanza and other Tanzanian cities, plus a few regional routes. Tickets include a 7 kg cabin bag and 23 kg of checked baggage, and its ATR turboprops are ideal for short hops. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in, safari and beach trips and how it compares with Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines.

The airline was founded in 1993 as an air charter company in Arusha and later moved its base to Dar es Salaam. Kenya Airways owns a stake in it, and its shares are listed on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange.

Precision Air flights to Dar es Salaam
Photo: Peter Mitchell / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Precision Air

Precision Air follows the ICAO power bank rules in force worldwide since 27 March 2026:

  • Carry power banks in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags.
  • Up to 100 Wh is allowed without approval; 100–160 Wh needs approval from the airline.
  • A maximum of two power banks per passenger, kept within reach. They cannot be recharged on board, and ICAO advises against using them to charge other devices during the flight.

Check-In in Tanzania

Arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. Smaller airports have basic facilities, and check-in may close earlier than at large airports, so don’t arrive late.

Families and Special Assistance

Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap with a 10 kg allowance and a stroller. Turboprop aircraft board by stairs, so request a wheelchair or other help in advance if you need it.

Safari and Beach Trips

Many visitors combine a safari with a beach stay:

  • Kilimanjaro (JRO) is the gateway to Arusha, the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro.
  • Zanzibar (ZNZ) has white-sand beaches and the historic Stone Town.
  • Mwanza is close to Lake Victoria and the western Serengeti.

Safari bags are often limited to soft bags of about 15 kg on small bush planes, so plan your luggage before you book onward flights.

On Board

The airline flies ATR 42 and ATR 72 turboprops, which have two seats on each side of the aisle and large windows. Low-altitude flights give good views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the coast on clear days. Overhead lockers are small, so larger cabin bags may be placed in the hold at the aircraft door. Snacks and drinks are served on most flights, and the crew speak English and Swahili.

How to Find Cheap Precision Air Flights

Cheap Precision Air flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Book early for July to October, the peak safari season.
  • Compare Kilimanjaro and Arusha for safari trips.
  • Use the 23 kg allowance instead of paying for extra bags.
  • Connect through Nairobi with Kenya Airways for international trips.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and others.

Precision Air vs Kenya Airways vs Ethiopian Airlines

A Tanzanian regional airline and two large African airlines that fly to Tanzania.

Precision AirKenya AirwaysEthiopian Airlines
HubDar es SalaamNairobiAddis Ababa
TypeRegionalFull-serviceFull-service
AircraftATR turbopropsBoeing 787 and Embraer jetsBoeing and Airbus jets
AllianceNoneSkyTeamStar Alliance

See our Kenya Airways guide and Ethiopian Airlines guide to compare.

Arriving in Dar es Salaam

Julius Nyerere International Airport is about 12 km from the city centre. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available, and traffic can be heavy at rush hour. Fast ferries also link Dar es Salaam with Zanzibar.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Precision Air a Good Airline?

Yes, for domestic travel. It connects Tanzania’s main tourist destinations with frequent flights and a fair baggage allowance, though its turboprops are smaller and slower than jets.

Schedules can change at short notice on some routes, so check your flight a day before you travel.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against BaggagePolicies.com’s 2026 guide and Precision Air’s Wikipedia entry. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.

Airline Partnerships

The airline is not a member of a global airline alliance.

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

It has a long partnership with Kenya Airways, which owns a stake in the airline, so some connections through Nairobi can be booked on one ticket.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam is the hub, with many flights from Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and Mwanza.

Popular Precision Air Routes

The busiest routes link Dar es Salaam with Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, Mwanza and Bukoba, plus Nairobi and Entebbe. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Precision Air Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Change and refund rules depend on the fare you buy and are shown when you book.

When you change a booking, you usually pay a change fee plus any fare difference.

  • Changes Fee plus any fare difference, by fare.
  • Refunds Depend on the fare rules.
  • How to change Contact the airline or your travel agent.

Precision Air Seat Selection & Additional Services

Snacks and drinks are served on most flights. Seats are usually assigned at check-in.

Sports equipment such as golf clubs is carried for a flat fee.

  • Snacks Served on most flights.
  • Seats Assigned at check-in.
  • Sports equipment From about USD 50 one way on domestic flights.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

Precision Air Baggage Allowance

Passengers can bring one cabin bag of up to 7 kg (55 × 38 × 20 cm), plus small items such as a handbag, coat or small laptop. Space on turboprop aircraft is limited.

The checked allowance is 23 kg per passenger. Infants without a seat get 10 kg and a stroller.

  • Cabin bag Up to 7 kg, 55 × 38 × 20 cm.
  • Checked baggage 23 kg.
  • Infants 10 kg plus a stroller.
  • Excess (domestic) About TZS 10,000 per kg up to 32 kg.
  • Excess (regional) About USD 6 per kg.

PAA Royal: Precision Air Loyalty Programme

PAA Royal is Precision Air's frequent flyer programme. Members earn points on Precision Air flights; check the airline for current earning and redemption rules.

  • Programme PAA Royal.
  • Earn Points on Precision Air flights.

Precision Air: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Precision Air’s IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is PW. It appears in flight numbers (for example PW 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is PRF, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Precision Air part of?

It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.

03Where is Precision Air headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

04When was Precision Air founded?

The airline was founded in 1993.

05What are Precision Air’s main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Dar es Salaam (DAR) – Main Hub.

06What is Precision Air’s frequent flyer programme called?

The frequent flyer programme is called PAA Royal. Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.

07What is the Precision Air baggage allowance?

One 7 kg cabin bag (55 × 38 × 20 cm) and 23 kg of checked baggage.

08Does Precision Air fly to Zanzibar?

Yes. Zanzibar is one of its busiest routes, with flights from Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro.

09What aircraft does Precision Air fly?

It flies ATR turboprop aircraft, which suit Tanzania's short domestic routes.

10Is Precision Air linked to Kenya Airways?

Yes. Kenya Airways owns a stake in the airline and the two work together on connections.

11Can I use a power bank on Precision Air?

On Precision Air you can carry up to two power banks in cabin baggage (up to 100 Wh without approval, 100–160 Wh with approval). You cannot recharge them on board, and ICAO rules advise against using them to charge other devices in flight, so follow the crew's instructions. They are never allowed in checked bags.

Precision Air, its logo and trademarks are the property of Precision Air Services PLC and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Precision Air unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.