British entrepreneur, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannous low-cost African airline, FastJet, has confirmed that Tanzania will be its first airbase
The airline chief executive, Ed Winter, revealed that FastJet, which starts flying from November, is planning a second airbase in Nairobi, Kenya as soon as the airbus services became more regular.
“We look forward to providing great, reliable and affordable service to people in East Africa. More airbases have been planned for Ghana, Luanda and Angola,” Winter added.
The airline’s seats will go on sale online shortly and fares will be as low as US$20 one-way, excluding taxes and charges.
The Huffington Post UK reported that FastJet had ordered its first Airbus - Airbus 319. The lease for the 156-seater aircraft was already signed and it will arrive in Dar Es Salaam in October, the report added.
According to a press statement, recruitment processes for crew and ground staff was progressing steadily.
Stelios’s easyGroup Holdings owns five per cent of FastJet and has the option to acquire another 10 per cent. Stelios is also a director of the airline.
A research conducted by the group forecasted that the growing wealth of African citizens will drive more people to fly for the first time.
It also reported that total passenger traffic in Africa will grow at an average yearly rate of 5.7 per cent between 2010 and 2030, well above the 4.8 per cent world average growth rate.
