25 Mar 2015 07:00
fastjet plc
("fastjet" or the "Company")
fastjet announces Zimbabwe Air Service Permit granted
fastjet plc is pleased to announce that, as part of its plans to grow its footprint in Sub- Saharan Africa, it has received an Air Service Permit (ASP) from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development of the Government of Zimbabwe responsible for administering the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ). This is a significant step towards the Company obtaining an Air Operating Certificate (AOC) and its plans to launch fastjet Zimbabwe in due course.
Ed Winter, Interim Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of fastjet plc, said:
"We recognized the real potential in Zimbabwe some time ago and as such have been working with the authorities both to build fastjet Zimbabwe and obtain permission to commence operations to various domestic and international destinations from the country. The granting of the ASP demonstrates the ever-increasing reputation that fastjet has built across the region and marks a significant step forward for our business."
"fastjet has identified many potential routes within and from Zimbabwe where it believes that the low cost model will stimulate the market and tap into the huge market of passengers currently travelling by bus. For example there are as many as 100 buses a day travelling the 1,100km between Harare and Johannesburg at fares up to $120 - return."
fastjet has been working with the authorities to obtain the necessary licences over the past few months, the final step being the public "Gazetting" of the application earlier this month. Receiving an ASP means that the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe and the Ministry of Transport have approved the business plan, aircraft choice and proposed structure of the planned airline as appropriate to operate and compliant with Zimbabwe regulations.
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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 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