Fastjet start flights from Zimbabwe

FASTjet PLC Wednesday said it has been granted an Air Operator Certificate by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, which gives fastjet Zimbabwe Ltd a licence to operate both domestic and international routes within and from the country.

Fastjet Zimbabwe is the second airline in the African low-cost airline's network, and plans to "expand rapidly", it said, creating a comprehensive network of domestic and regional destinations.

Seats go on sale on Wednesday for the first route, linking Harare to Victoria Falls, initially three times a week.

"Adding a second fastjet airline to our network is an incredibly significant milestone on our path to becoming the most successful pan African low-cost airline.

"We recognised the real potential in Zimbabwe some time ago and have been working hard together with the relevant authorities towards this momentous day.

"With their support we are now in a position to launch our Zimbabwean operation," Chief Executive Ed Winter said in a statement.

"In Tanzania we have become the airline of choice, with an enviable operational reputation and market leading fares.

"I am confident that, with our proven low-cost model, we can replicate this success in Zimbabwe," he added.

Shares in fastjet were trading up 4.1% at 83.80 early Wednesday.