28 Aug 2013 07:00
fastjet plc
("fastjet" or the "Company")
28th August 2013
fastjet launches new domestic route in Tanzania
fastjet, Africa's first low-cost carrier, is delighted to announce that tickets for its new domestic route, from Dar es Salaam to Mbeya in Tanzania are on sale today. Flights to the new Songwe airport on fastjet's signature Airbus A319 aircraft will commence on November 1st and initially operate three times a week. As with its existing domestic services, demand for the route is expected to be high and fastjet therefore intends to rapidly increase frequency. The newly-developed Songwe airport serves not only the city of Mbeya, but also the densely populated cross-boarder regions of northern Zambia and Malawi.
Commenting on the launch, Ed Winter, fastjet CEO said:
"We have been inundated with requests from passengers for fastjet to operate a service on this route, and are extremely pleased to be launching ticket sales today, building on the success of our existing Tanzanian operation.
The Government of Tanzania has invested a considerable sum to develop this brand new airport and the regeneration of its infrastructure is due to be completed in October, allowing us to commence flights on the 1st November. "
fastjet CCO Richard Bodin added:
"The launch of flights between Mbeya's Songwe airport and Julius Nyerere airport in Dar es Salaam demonstrates that we are committed to delivering on our promise to the Tanzanian population to fly to airports that are sufficiently developed to accept our modern jets.
We are offering fares starting at our trademark price of USD$20 (Tsh 32,000) excluding fees and taxes, and are confident that this will not only stimulate both commercial and leisure traffic but also give passengers an alternative to long and arduous journeys by road."
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NOTES TO EDITORS
About fastjet plc
fastjet plc is the holding company for African airline Fly540, which operates 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.
In the year to March 2013, fastjet and its subsidiaries carried almost 800,000 passengers, 50% more than a year previously, and 99.2 per cent of its flights left on time with no cancellations. 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