Tickets go on sale today for Fastjet's launch flights

Fastjet, Africa's first pan-African low cost airline, launched ticket sales today in Tanzania, ahead of the airline's first commercial flight at the end of this month.
Time Aerospace thumbnail

The ticket launch marks a significant milestone in the company’s drive to open up air travel to countless Tanzanians who previously could not afford to fly. With air fares starting from as little as 32,000Tsh (USD$20) before government taxes, air travel is now an affordable alternative for more people than ever before.

Fastjet, which has taken over Fly540, has chosen Dar es Salaam as its first operating base in Africa, with flights from Julius Nyerere International Airport set to commence on 29 November. As of today, tickets are on sale for flights between Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro, as well as Dar es Salaam and Mwanza. Further routes will be added in the coming weeks, both domestically and to other East African destinations.

Commenting on the launch of ticket sales, fastjet Chief Executive Ed Winter said:

“This is a historical moment for aviation in Tanzania, and indeed in Africa. Air travel is no longer an exclusive option for a small minority in Tanzania. fastjet will make flying an affordable option for more Tanzanians than ever before, bringing new opportunities for trade, leisure trips, and family visits. We are grateful to our partners in Tanzania for their support to date, and we look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with the people of Tanzania.”

Tickets can be purchased through travel agents and fastjet’s own sales desk, call centre and offices. fastjet’s new web site www.fastjet.com will launch next week providing information on routes and fare schedules. The site will also soon allow tickets to be bought using credit/debit cards, as well as by mobile phone.

Fastjet has also unveiled its new brand ahead of the launch of commercial flights. The company’s brand features the ‘kasuku’ or African Grey Parrot, selected for its renowned intelligence, friendliness, and personification of fastjet’s motto: smart travel.  This week will also see the launch of fastjet’s social media platforms through Facebook and Twitter, providing forums for customers and stakeholders to engage, interact, and share views with the company online.

Richard Bodin, fastjet’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “One of fastjet’s key characteristics is our openness. We want to bridge the gap between the consumer and the airline by making sure that wherever possible we are engaging in two-way conversations and listening to the consumer’s needs and priorities. Social media is a great way to achieve this – platforms like Twitter and Facebook allow us to interact directly with consumers, helping us to understand each other better, and for fastjet to keep in touch with the our most important stakeholder’s evolving needs and preferences.”

The airline now has three Airbus A319s as part of its fleet. All three aircraft are in the process of being painted with the fastjet livery before being dispatched to Tanzania ready for the launch of commercial flights later this month.

For fastjet ticket sales call +255 (0)685 680533