6 May 2015 07:01
fastjet plc
("fastjet" or the "Company")
6 May 2015
fastjet Passenger Statistics for April 2015
fastjet operations in Tanzania carried a total of 68,088 passengers and achieved a load factor of 73%, the highest monthly passenger total recorded since the commencement of fastjet operations. This beats the previous highest month, December 2014, by 2,500 passengers and represents growth of 90% compared to the same month last year. The load factor grew 7% compared to the same month last year and capacity increased month-on-month by 15%.
Punctuality for April remained high, with 92% of flights arriving on time Note 3.
Ed Winter, Chief Executive Officer of fastjet plc, said:
"April was yet another record-breaking month for fastjet and continues our recent trend of reporting significant year-on-year growth in passenger numbers. Carrying over 68,000 passengers is a considerable achievement and is testament to our position in the Tanzanian market, the attractiveness of our low-cost fare structure and operational reputation. As our passenger numbers continue to increase, we are close to needing extra capacity and negotiations for more aircraft are under way.
"Punctuality of 92% is particularly impressive given the potential operational constrains surrounding the disruptive effect of the "rainy season" in Tanzania.
"With the recent fund raise and subsequent shareholder support demonstrated at our General Meeting, fastjet is in a strong position to deliver significant growth."
____________________________________________________________________________
Month ending April 2015 April 2014 Change
Passengers Note 1 68,088 35,770 90%
Load Factor Note 2 73% 66% +7pp
Rolling 12 months ending April 2015 April 2014 Change
Passengers Note 1 694,227 389,164 78%
_______________________________________________________________________________
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)
UK media - Citigate Dewe Rogerson Tel: +44 (0) 20 7638 9571
Angharad Couch
Toby Moore
Nick Hayns
South African media - Tribeca Public Relations Tel: +27 (0) 11 208 5500
Cian Mac Eochaidh
Kelly Webster
For investor enquiries please contact:
W.H. Ireland Ltd. Nominated Adviser Tel: +44 (0) 20 7220 1666
James Joyce
Mark Leonard
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. The airline 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. fastjet plc is also the holding company of Fly540 Ghana and Angola where operations are currently suspended.
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 and the award for "Brand Strategy of the Year" at 2014's Drum Marketing Awards in London.
fastjet plc is quoted on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market.
For more information see www.fastjet.com