LOW-COST PAN-AFRICAN carrier, fastjet started flying between the capitals of Tanzania and Uganda on September 16, the only direct air link between the two cities. The airline is initially operating twice weekly – on Tuesdays and Thursdays – but was due to add two further rotations at the end of the month. “We believe the launch of this route, the only direct air link between Uganda and Tanzania, will stimulate new business and tourism traffic,” said Ed Winter, CEO and interim chairman of fastjet.
Not content with launching this fourth international route, fastjet has applied for an Air Service Licence (ASL) from the Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority, the first step towards obtaining a full Air Operator Certificate which will allow the airline to start flying domestic and international flights from Kenya under the branding of fastjet Kenya. To comply with local regulatory rules, 51% of the equity of the subsidiary has to be owned by a Kenyan national while the balance will be held by fastjet plc. The ASL application process requires companies to formally submit a detailed business plan incorporating its proposed operation, network, aircraft specification, service plan and commercial strategy. “This is an important step for fastjet,” Winter said. “We are excited at the prospect of extending the footprint of fastjet’s operations through greater penetration of the African market with a Kenyan-based airline.