Tanzania Government officials and aviation experts have praised Precision Air‘s late founder Michael Shirima for having great trust in his choices.
They described Shirima as someone who didn’t hesitate to make difficult decisions to progress his cause and convictions in their condolences to the family of the deceased renowned investor in the aviation sector.
On Friday, while undergoing treatment at the Aga Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Mr. Shirima passed away at 80 years old.
The Minister of Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Adolf Mkenda, stated in an interview with The Citizen that the deceased’s strong beliefs could be clearly seen in his book, ‘On my Father’s Wings’, which was published last year.
“In the book, he explained how he quit a lucrative job at Air Tanzania Company Limited in 1979. He saw that the national airline was headed in the wrong direction. So he cautioned the authorities, but in vain. He quit his job thereafter,” he said.
Prof Mkenda, who doubles as a Rombo Member of Parliament, added that Mr Shirima, after trying several endeavours, later decided to invest in the aviation sector.
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President Hassan Extends Condolences
To express her condolences to the family, President Samia Suluhu Hassan posted on her official Twitter account, writing, “I have received with sadness news of the death of Michael Shirima, the founder and board chairman of Precision Air Company.”
“In over 30 years of selfless service, he has been instrumental in the aviation sector and in other social activities in our country. My condolences to the family, siblings, relatives, and friends. May God rest his soul in eternal peace, Amen,” President Hassan added.
Gaudence Temu, the former CEO of Swissport, remarked that the deceased was always willing to impart his knowledge.
He claimed that due to the industry’s instability, investing in the aviation business calls for unwavering trust in one’s skills and a sizable financial commitment, things Mr. Shirima excelled at while starting Precision Air.
Mr. Temu expressed his certainty that the deceased had put together a solid team that would ensure the sustainability and longevity of the company.
John Njawa, an aviation expert, referred to the deceased highflier as a mentor and an aviation guru.
“The aviation industry requires enormous investments, yet the risks are so great that one can instantly lose all of their money. When Mr. Shirima decided to make an investment in the aviation industry, he took a huge risk.
Mr. Njawa added that the region’s aviation business had lost a significant individual because the late Shirima was a notable figure in the field.
In his condolence letter, Mr. Hamza Johari, director general of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), stated that Mr. Shirima’s commitment, love, and legacy in the aviation business would live on forever. “May God grant peace to his soul.”
Advent of Precision Air
In 1993, Mr Shirima established Precision Air with a Piper Aztec twin-engine, five-seater aircraft.
The airline, based in Arusha, offered charter flights to visitors to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, the island of Unguja, and other tourist destinations.
The airline’s quick expansion led to purchasing more equipment and starting scheduled flights from its base in Arusha.
Collaboration with Kenya Airways
For $2 million, Kenya Airways, the biggest airline in East Africa, bought a 49 percent stake in Precision Air.
A 30.35 percent interest in the airline stock was launched by Precision Air in an IPO on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) in October 2011.
Additionally, Mr. Shirima held 5% of the stock in the medium-sized commercial bank I&M Bank (Tanzania).
The bank’s total assets were about $130 million (Sh200 billion) as of December 2011, while its shareholders’ equity was roughly $15 million (Sh23 billion).
He was also a member of the bank’s board of directors.
The deceased was the creator and owner of the Cornelius Ngaleku Orphanage, which cares for street children from all over the nation and is located in Useri Division, Rombo District, Kilimanjaro Region.
Shirima was formerly the TGU’s (Tanzania Golf Union) chairman as well.
Burial Preparations
Mr Abdallah Singano, a spokesman for the family, stated that Mr. Shirima’s remains were transported to Arusha by air on Monday while the funeral is scheduled for Wednesday.