fastjet (AIM: FJET), Africa’s low-cost airline, has been granted permission by the authorities of South Africa and Zimbabwe to operate flights between Harare and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and Johannesburg in South Africa. The launch of these popular and currently underserved routes is a significant step forward for fastjet Zimbabwe.
Flights between Harare and Johannesburg will operate daily and flights on the Victoria Falls to Johannesburg route will initially operate three times a week, with fares starting from US $80 (plus government taxes), considerably lower than prices offered by carriers currently serving the route. Tickets go on sale this week, and flights from Harare will commence on 1st February 2016. fastjet also has approval for a second daily flight between Harare and Johannesburg; this will be introduced as market demand grows.
fastjet expects to receive additional international route approvals in the first quarter of 2016 which, when added to the key Johannesburg routes announced today, will create a substantial fastjet Zimbabwe network.
Commenting, fastjet Chief Executive Officer, Ed Winter, said: “In launching these flights, fastjet Zimbabwe is establishing itself as a key player in the market.
“There is clearly significant demand for affordable travel between Harare and Johannesburg. Up to 100 buses a day travel between the two cities, a journey which can take as long as 24 hours. Similarly, the 1300km road journey from Johannesburg to the World Heritage Site of Victoria Falls, one of the biggest tourist attractions in Southern Africa, can take as long as two days with border crossings. fastjet flights will take just one hour and forty minutes.
“As we have seen in other markets, we expect many passengers currently undertaking the journey by bus to switch to flying, taking advantage of fastjet’s low fares and safe and reliable flights.
“There are significant historical, commercial and political links between the two countries, and it is estimated that more than 3 million Zimbabweans now live in South Africa. fastjet Zimbabwe is now well placed to capitalise on the opportunities that this market offers.”
