18 Oct 2013 08:03
fastjet plc
("fastjet" or the "Company")
18 October 2013
fastjet commences flights on first international route
First journey between Tanzania and South Africa takes off today
fastjet, Africa's first low cost airline, has today commenced international flight operations. The airline's first international flight has departed on time from Dar es Salaam's Julius Nyerere International Airport in Tanzania for Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport in South Africa.
Flights between the two cities will initially be operated by fastjet three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, increasing in frequency as soon as consumer demand dictates.
Tickets on the fastjet flights between the two cities are priced from US$100 one way, excluding all airport and government taxes. This is a substantial reduction to the prices being charged by South African Airways.
Ed Winter, CEO of fastjet, said:
"We are delighted to be announcing the successful launch of our first international route and, a milestone for fastjet. In line with our planned strategic development we have made a significant step towards becoming a true Pan African airline.
"We are proud to be offering our passengers a new, smart choice on how to travel between these two great cities. For many years, the Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg route has been operated by just one airline, and the lack of competition has led to inflated fares. It can cost almost the same for the 11 hour flight between Johannesburg and London as it does for a 3½ hour flight from Johannesburg to Dar Es Salaam, which just doesn't make sense.
"fastjet will substantially reduce the route's average fare and in doing so will make it possible for more people to afford to fly between Tanzania and South Africa, whether they are travelling on business or for pleasure"
-ends-
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NOTES TO EDITORS
About fastjet plc
fastjet plc is the holding company for African airlines fastjet Tanzania and Fly540, which operate in Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana and Angola. Flights under the fastjet brand commenced in Tanzania in November 2012. The airline has introduced Airbus A319s into its fleet. 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.
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