Inaugural flight between Tanzania and Zambia

RNS Number : 0929Z

Fastjet PLC

03 February 2014

 



fastjet plc

("fastjet" or the "Company")

3 February 2014

Successful completion of inaugural fastjet flight between Tanzania and Zambia

fastjet, Africa's low cost airline, is delighted to announce that the first fastjet flight between Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Lusaka in Zambia was successfully completed on Saturday 1^st February 2014,  marking the launch of the low-cost airline's second international route in Africa.  Sales have been exceedingly strong since the launch of this route in early January, and the first flight from Lusaka was full.

Services between Lusaka's Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and Dar es Salaam's Julius Nyerere International Airport will initially operate twice a week.  fastjet expects to increase the frequency of flights on this route in line with consumer demand, as more people make use of its safe, affordable and on-time service.

Commenting on this new route, Ed Winter, interim Chairman and CEO of fastjet, said: "fastjet has been able to expand its international network by working closely with the governments of Tanzania and Zambia, who understand and value the positive impact that low-cost air travel can have on the lives of their citizens and the general economy.

"With their help in making this new route possible, we have added momentum to fastjet's vision of democratising air travel on the African continent.  We believe that this will lead to more affordable fares and greater cost efficiencies for passengers, businesses and governments."

Tickets for flights between Dar es Salaam and Lusaka went on sale in December 2013, with fares currently starting as low as US$75 one-way, excluding airport and government taxes - significantly lower than fares charged by other jet aircraft operators who currently only offer non-direct flights between the two cities.

The establishment of the Lusaka - Dar es Salaam route is expected to boost the growing trade relationships between the neighbouring countries, making it easier for entrepreneurs, tourists and other visitors to travel between them, at an affordable cost.

fastjet also announced recently that it is in discussions with the Zambian government with the intention of establishing a Zambian-registered fastjet operation that would offer both domestic and international flights from Lusaka.  Potential destinations being discussed include Ndola and Livingstone (both in Zambia) and Johannesburg.

"The business and political environments in Zambia are very progressive and our discussions to date have been very positive. The aim of our operation would be to promote trade and tourism, to increase and improve on safety and reliability within the Zambian aviation industry, and to create employment opportunities," said Ed Winter.

UK media - Citigate Dewe Rogerson                                                           Tel: [phone]

Toby Moore

Eleni Menikou

South African media - Tribeca Public Relations                                        Tel: [phone]

Cian Mac Eochaidh

Kelly Webster

About fastjet plc

fastjet plc is the holding company of the low cost airline fastjet which commenced flights under the fastjet brand in Tanzania in November 2012. The airline introduced Airbus A319s into its fleet. And by adhering to international standards of safety, quality, security and reliability; fastjet has brought a new flying experience to the African market at unprecedented low prices. fastjet is implementing the low-cost model across Africa and its long-term strategy is to become the continent's first low-cost, pan-African airline. fastjet plc is also the holding company of Fly540, which operates in Kenya, Ghana and Angola.

The results of a recent customer satisfaction survey showed that 100% of customers were likely to recommend fastjet to a friend. In developing its strong brand and identity, fastjet has won and been nominated for a number of awards, including winning three Transform awards for the rebrand and launch of fastjet and the award for "Brand Strategy of the Year" at the recent Drum Marketing Awards in London.

fastjet plc is quoted on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market.

For more information see www.fastjet.com 

 

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