Fastjet to switch to an all-Embraer fleet by early 4Q17

Fastjet Plc said its Tanzanian budget carrier unit's only remaining active Airbus jet, an A319-100, will be returned to lessor ICBC Financial Leasing by late September of this year by which time a pair of EMB-190s will be inducted into service in early October.

Along with a pair ERJ-145s wet-leased from equity partner Solenta Aviation and in service for Fastjet Zimbabwe, Fastjet's fleet will consist entirely of Embraer aircraft. 

Fastjet said that following a reassessment of its capacity requirements last year, it concluded that an alternative and smaller aircraft type, with materially lower operating costs, was more appropriate for the current- and medium-term demand characteristics of the markets in which it operates. 

"The Embraer and Bombardier 80-120 seat jet aircraft were considered and the Embraer E190/E195 was identified as the most appropriate for Fastjet's requirements," it said. "Compared with the Airbus A319 type aircraft that Fastjet has been operating, the Embraer is expected to yield a cost reduction of approximately 15% with lower fuel, maintenance, handling and navigation costs and charges."