fastjet lines up $15m for investment

Tinashe Makichi Business Correspondent
fastjet Zimbabwe will invest about $15 million in the next three years and expects to employ approximately 200 people directly, with hundreds more employed in secondary services such as fuel, catering and cleaning support services of the airline.

The low cost airline plans to expand rapidly both locally and across the African continent, creating a comprehensive network of international destinations to complement its domestic routes within Zimbabwe.

“fastjet wants to bring Africa to Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe to Africa. Affordable air travel is key to Zimbabwe’s economic growth, particularly in the business and tourism sectors,” said fastjet Zimbabwe director of flight operations Mr Ed Lanca.

“fastjet will introduce more choice into international air travel from Zimbabwe, breaking down the monopolies that exist on certain routes and introducing better flights and cheaper fares.

Mr Lanca emphasised that the airline will continue working closely with the Zimbabwean Government in its ongoing investment plans, collaborating with all parties concerned to build a service that would create jobs, develop the aviation sector in the country and have a significant positive impact on the growth of the economy. fastjet Zimbabwe’s first flight between Harare and Victoria Falls took off yesterday.

Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Joram Gumbo said the country needs bold new enterprises like fastjet Zimbabwe to assist Government in achieving economic growth.

“The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development looks forward to working with fastjet Zimbabwe as it grows its network of routes and flights within and from our beautiful country.

“fastjet Zimbabwe is a Zimbabwean airline established for the benefit of the country’s citizens. It is a long-term strategic investment in the future of our economy,” said Minister Gumbo.

fastjet Zimbabwe will initially fly between Harare and Vic Falls three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The flight will use a modern Airbus A319 jet aircraft, with seating for up to 144 passengers. The low cost airline expects to add more flights to Vic Falls as demand for its safe,quick,affordable and on time services increases.

To celebrate its launch fastjet Zimbabwe set all fares for flights between Harare and Vic Falls in October and November 2015 at its cheapest rate of $20 one way.

This excludes airport and Government taxes of $18 which brings the total for an inclusive fare to $38.