Fastjet's Zambia launch success ahead of talks on brand expansion

African LCC, Fastjet has made its debut flight between Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Lusaka in Zambia. The flight took place on Saturday and marked the airline's second international route in Africa. The airline said sales have been exceedingly strong since the launch of this route in early January, and the first flight from Lusaka was full.
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Services between Lusaka's Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and Dar es Salaam's Julius Nyerere International Airport are initially operating twice a week.

Ed Winter, interim Chairman and CEO, said: "Fastjet has been able to expand its international network by working closely with the governments of Tanzania and Zambia, who understand and value the positive impact that low-cost air travel can have on the lives of their citizens and the general economy.

"With their help in making this new route possible, we have added momentum to Fastjet's vision of democratising air travel on the African continent. We believe that this will lead to more affordable fares and greater cost efficiencies for passengers, businesses and governments."

Tickets for flights between Dar es Salaam and Lusaka went on sale in December 2013, with fares currently starting as low as US$75 one-way, excluding airport and government taxes - significantly lower than fares charged by other jet aircraft operators who currently only offer non-direct flights between the two cities.

The establishment of the Lusaka - Dar es Salaam route is expected to boost the growing trade relationships between the neighbouring countries, making it easier for entrepreneurs, tourists and other visitors to travel between them, at an affordable cost.

Fastjet also announced recently that it is in discussions with the Zambian government with the intention of establishing a Zambian-registered Fastjet operation that would offer both domestic and international flights from Lusaka. Potential destinations being discussed include Ndola and Livingstone (both in Zambia) and Johannesburg.

"The business and political environments in Zambia are very progressive and our discussions to date have been very positive. The aim of our operation would be to promote trade and tourism, to increase and improve on safety and reliability within the Zambian aviation industry, and to create employment opportunities," said Ed Winter.

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