LONDON (Alliance News) - Fastjet PLC Thursday said it has signed an interline deal with major Gulf airline Emirates, which will boost traffic and passenger numbers using the pair's network across Africa and the Middle East.
An interline agreement is commercial agreement between individual airlines to handle passengers traveling on itineraries that require multiple airlines. Under the deal, Emirates passengers will be able to book fastjet tickets via all of Emirates' sales channels using a bespoke link between Emirates and fastjets reservations system.
Emirates currently fly to over 140 destinations across the world, including 20 in Africa, while fastjet is "rapidly expanding" to become a Pan-African low-cost carrier.
On Wednesday, fastjet was granted an Air Operator Certificate by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe to allow it to conduct international and domestic flights in the country, it latest move in Africa, with further expansion expected in the short term.
"The partnership will benefit both fastjet and Emirates with greater passenger traffic and will give travellers in Africa the opportunity to connect to the rest of the world through Emirates' Dubai hub with fastjet providing passengers from African towns and cities," said fastjet.
fastjet Chief Financial Officer Richard Bodin added: "Not only will it allow us access to the millions of passengers that Emirates carries, it is also a significant validation of our operation, service and proven low-cost model. We look forward to greeting Emirates passengers on board our aircraft."
By Joshua Warner; joshuawarner@alliancenews.com; @JoshAlliance
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