The low-cost local airline Fastjet launched their Airbus flight FN8102 to the Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport which arrived at 07:55 am after departing Harare at 06:15–a convenient time for business people.
“The launch of this flight on this day February 1, 2016 marks the commencement of daily routes to South Africa after we received clearance from the Zimbabwean and South African governments to operate between the two countries,” said Director of Flight Operations at Fastjet Zimbabwe Ed Lanca.
Demonstrating their efficiency FN8102 returned to Harare International Airport at 10:15am where it was welcomed by CAAZ Chief Executive Officer David Chawota, ZTA Chief Operating Officer Givemore Chidzidzi and some senior officials.
This was followed by an official launch ceremony to celebrate the breakthrough in the aviation industry. Ed Lanca went on to announce that they had future plans to launch their second international route flying between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg.
PIC: T. NDABAMBI | ZIMBOJAM.COM | A toast to the launch of FastJet’s SA Route.
Fastjet prides itself on low fares. It costs US$80 one way to South Africa which is affordable for many travellers. This low pricing is a disadvantage to their competitors who were forced to drop their charges by 40%.
“The fact is that competition is good for consumers. It brings choice and it brings air fares down,” commented Lanca.
The airliner has so far celebrated flying over 1,800,000 passengers with an on-time performance of over 90% since its first flight in November 2012.
Fast Jet will initially operate the route once daily on its modern Airbus A319 jet aircraft, with an additional daily flight expected as consumer demand increases.
