3 Sep 2013 12:37
fastjet plc
("fastjet" or the "Company")
3 September 2013
fastjet signs agreement to initiate cargo services
fastjet, Africa's low cost airline, is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with one of Africa's largest cargo operators, BidAir, to carry cargo on its fleet of Airbus A319s. The results of a recent feasibility study concluded that the current fastjet operation has sufficient capacity to accommodate the carrying of cargo on its Tanzanian routes. Management expect tthis to provide an additional revenue stream for the airline without compromising its core business. Initially fastjet intends to carry "dry" cargo such as post and newspapers.Richard Bodin, Chief Commercial Officer of fastjet said "The cargo revenue rates per kilo in Africa are some of the highest in the world due to the challenges presented by poor road and rail infrastructure. Carrying cargo by air is often the most efficient choice for cargo operators. We believe that offering this service will create an additional revenue stream for fastjet while incurring low additonal operating costs. BidAir is the perfect partner for us due to its excellent reputation and customer-centric focus."Vincent Banda, CEO of BidAir Cargo in Tanzania, said: "We are proud to be associated with fastjet, and by replicating our business model, which has thus far proven successful in South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia, we are confident that we can provide a quality and reliable service to Tanzanians. "For media enquiries please contact:
UK media - Citigate Dewe Rogerson Tel: +44 (0) 20 7638 9571
Eleni Menikou
Toby Moore
South Africa media - Tribeca Public Relations Tel: +27 11 208 5521
Cian Mac Eochaidh
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