21 Feb 2014 07:35
fastjet plc
("fastjet" or the "Company")
21st February 2014
fastjet appoints Jimmy Kibati as General Manager East Africa
fastjet plc is pleased to announce the appointment of Jimmy Kibati as fastjet General Manager, East Africa. Jimmy joins from Kenya Airways where he is currently Acting Commercial Director.
Working alongside the fastjet management team, Jimmy will be responsible for leading the airline's expansion in East Africa. He will take up his new position on 17th March 2014 and initially be based in Dar-es-Salaam, overseeing fastjet Tanzania.
Ed Winter, interim Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said: "I am absolutely delighted that we have recruited such a high calibre airline executive to spearhead fastjet's expansion in East Africa. Jimmy's vast experience in the East African aviation market will be invaluable as we fulfil our goal of becoming a truly pan-African low cost airline.
"Jimmy's appointment underlines the confidence which fastjet's track record has generated within the industry."
Jimmy Kibati has over 20 years' experience in the commercial airline business, having joined Kenya Airways in 1992 immediately following the completion of his studies at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya.
During his time at the airline, Jimmy has progressed through various senior Commercial positions, including Manager of Network Planning & Alliances, Area Manager Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi and Head of Network Planning & Airline Strategy.
Jimmy left Kenya Airways in 2005 to join the startup carrier Virgin Nigeria, as Head of Network Planning & Commercial Development, was promoted to Director of Commercial Planning in 2008, and finally to Chief Commercial Officer, where he led the re- branding of the airline to Nigerian Eagle.
Rejoining Kenya Airways as Head of Network Planning and Airline Strategy in 2010, Jimmy led 'Project Mawingu,' Kenya Airways' 10-Year Strategic plan, and also headed the team that worked on the process that led to Kenya Airways becoming a full member of the Skyteam Alliance in June 2010.
Jimmy has been accredited as Kenya Airways' representative in the Skyteam Alliance, the KQ Chair leading the expansion of the KQ/KLM Joint Venture relationship, and the African representative of IATA's Simplifying the Business Steering Committee. He was also responsible for the government portfolio, where he engaged various regulatory and government authorities to gain market access for Kenya Airways' expansion.
In January 2013, Jimmy was appointed Acting Commercial Director of Kenya Airways, where he oversaw the restructuring of the airline's commercial department and drove the execution of the company's commercial and planning strategies, including plans for the B787 Dreamliner and B777-300 fleet's entry into service and new growth plans into Asia and Africa.
UK media - Citigate Dewe Rogerson Tel: +44 (0) 20 7638 9571
Toby Moore
Eleni Menikou
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. Tel: +44 (0) 20 7220 1666
James Joyce
Nick Field
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, which operates in Kenya, Ghana and Angola.
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