fastjet introduces Vic Falls - Jo'burg flights

fastjet Zimbabwe says it has started servicing the Victoria Falls-Johannesburg route in response to strong demand from passengers and tour operators from the South African market.

The route marks its second international route from Zimbabwe and its first international route from Victoria Falls, important milestones in the airline's growth plans.

fastjet Zimbabwe has been engaging South African tour operators to deliver inclusive packages to encourage more South African visitors to fly to Victoria Falls, to enjoy the many adventures and safari activities available in the world renowned tourist resort.

Flights between Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport and refurbished Victoria Falls International Airport will be offered twice a week on Fridays and Sundays, using fastjet Zimbabwe's modern Airbus A319 jet aircraft with capacity of up to 144 passengers.

fastjet Zimbabwe flights will depart Victoria Falls at 1240hrs and land in Johannesburg at 1415hrs, and the return flight departs Johannesburg at 1455hrs, landing in Victoria Falls at 1635hrs.

"The Zimbabwean Government has invested a substantial $150 million in upgrading Victoria Falls International Airport, with the intention of it becoming a gateway to central and Southern Africa," said Ed Lanca, director of flight operations at fastjet Zimbabwe.

"fastjet Zimbabwe has already enjoyed the benefits of the upgrade to this magnificent airport with our domestic flights between Harare and Victoria Falls, and we are looking forward to introducing international visitors to its world-class facilities," he said.

fastjet Zimbabwe said passengers will enjoy benefit of lowest priced fares of $130 (ex Victoria Falls) one-way, including all Government and airport taxes, which is significantly lower than those charged by airlines currently operating direct flights between the two countries.

"We believe that affordable air travel is key to the continued growth of tourism between Zimbabwe and South Africa, with Victoria Falls being long established as a draw card for tourists from Southern Africa, and elsewhere in the world," said Mr Lanca.

"We expect many of our passengers on this route to be first-time visitors to Victoria Falls, who would otherwise not have been able to afford to travel to what is a popular holiday destination for Southern Africans."

Supporting this expectation is research undertaken by fastjet Zimbabwe showing that more than one third of its passengers were first time flyers only able to afford air travel for the first time by choosing to fly on the airline.

This new route between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg follows closely on the success of fastjet Zimbabwe's route launches between Harare and Victoria Falls, and Harare and Johannesburg.

fastjet Zimbabwe recently increased the frequency of its flights from Harare to Johannesburg and now offers double daily flights on each day of the week – apart from the weekend – making a total of 24 flights per week between the two cities.

"We are very grateful to the transportation ministries and the civil aviation authorities in both Zimbabwe and South Africa for working together to make it possible for fastjet to realise our vision of growing the number of consumers who can access the convenience of affordable air travel," added Mr Lanca.