African no-frills airline Fastjet has finally been given permission to launch its first international route by South African authorities.
The carrier, which is being backed by Easyjet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou, will fly its first international flights on Friday (October 18) from Das es Salaam in Tanzania to Johannesburg.
The service had been due to start on September 27 but the launch had to be postponed at the last minute due to an “unexpected administrative delay” with paperwork in South Africa.
Fastjet, which has ambitions to be a pan-African no-frills airline, will initially run the service three times per week which will increase “as soon as consumer demand dictates”.
Ed Winter, the airline’s CEO, said: “The South African Department of Transport has completed its review of the additional documents it requested and has issued an updated Foreign Operator Permit.
“Fastjet is delighted that, in line with our expansion strategy, operations can now commence on this route.
“Until now, flying between Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg has been prohibitively expensive for many people. The launch of this service offers a new, affordable and reliable option to both Tanzanians and South Africans.”
fastjet.com