Passenger statistics for November 2015

RNS Number : 3112I

Fastjet PLC

08 December 2015

 

fastjet plc

("fastjet" or the "Company")

8 December 2015

fastjet Passenger Statistics for November 2015

and

Launch of new route

fastjet operations carried a total of 62,843 passengers in November 2015. The load factor for the month was 60%, down 3% on the prior month, primarily due to the prolonged effect of the presidential election in Tanzania, which has yet to result in a Cabinet being appointed or a budget being agreed. This has reduced demand from governmental and civil service traffic, and had an adverse effect on travel more widely in the country.

Severe weather in November led to a slight reduction in punctuality, with 84% of fastjet Tanzania flights arriving on time ^{Note 3}. However, 100% of fastjet Zimbabwe flights arrived on time, an excellent performance in its first month of operation.

During the month, fastjet also launched a new route between Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg and Zanzibar. Tickets for the new route are currently on sale, with operations commencing in January 2016 with daily flights between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.

Ed Winter, Chief Executive Officer of fastjet, said: "Whilst we remain mindful of the temporary reduction in demand in Tanzania, we expect that this will improve in the New Year when the political environment stabilises. Our "one day anniversary sale" on 30 November produced some excellent results, filling many seats into early 2016.

"We are delighted that fastjet Zimbabwe has been well received in its first month of operation. Passenger feedback has been positive and we look forward to expanding that network.

"The exciting launch of a new route between Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg and Zanzibar links the stunning island with two thriving commercial centres. Zanzibar, a year-round holiday destination, has recently enjoyed increased popularity, especially in South Africa. We expect to attract new passengers to fastjet in both Tanzania and South Africa with our affordable fares and reliable air services".

Month ending	November 2015	November 2014	Change
Passengers Note 1	62,843	63,146	-0.5%
Load Factor Note 2	60%	77%	-17pp
Rolling 12 months ending	November 2015	November 2014	Change
Passengers Note 1	790,950	569,031	39%

Notes:

1. "Passengers" are sold seats flown, excluding infants. fastjet bookings are generally non-refundable.

2. "Load Factor" is the number of "passengers" as a percentage of the number of available seats flown.

3. "on time" - arrival earlier than or within 15 minutes of schedule (excludes cancelled flights).

For more information, contact:

fastjet Plc	Tel: [phone]
Rose Herbert, Investor Relations Manager
UK media - Citigate Dewe Rogerson	Tel: [phone]
Angharad Couch
Eleni Menikou
Nick Hayns
South African media - Tribeca Public Relations	Tel: [phone]
Cian Mac Eochaidh
Kelly Webster
For investor enquiries please contact:

Liberum Capital Limited - Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker	Tel: [phone]
Clayton Bush
Christopher Britton
W.H. Ireland Ltd.- Joint Broker	Tel: [phone]
James Joyce
Mark Leonard
Sanlam Securities UK Limited - Joint Broker	Tel: [phone]
Simon Clements/Ken Williams

NOTES TO EDITORS

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. fastjet Zimbabwe was successfully launched in October 2015. 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. Utilising its fleet of Airbus A319s, 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.

The results of a 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, the award for "Brand Strategy of the Year" at 2014's Drum Marketing Awards in London, and the Transport Innovator Award at the 8th Transport Africa Awards 2015 in Johannesburg.

fastjet Plc is quoted on the London Stock Exchange's AIM Market.

For more information see www.fastjet.com

 

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