New no-frills African airline Fastjet is gearing up for the take-off of its first services later this month.
The project, which is being backed by Easyjet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, is due to launch its new website next week when it will also reveal its first routes and pricing structure, with prices promised to start from $20 one-way excluding taxes and charges.
The airline has received its first three Airbus A319s, which are currently being painted in Fastjet’s new livery featuring an African grey parrot.
Fastjet, which is being led by former Easyjet chief operating officer Ed Winter, will begin services from the Tanzanian capital of Dar es Salaam before expanding to other African cities with Nairobi in Kenya set to be the second base.
Winter said: “The African grey is renowned for its intelligence and is therefore a perfect personification of Fastjet’s motto: smart travel. We are delighted to be unveiling this new branding today, which better reflects our individual corporate identity and speaks to our key audiences.
“We hope that our friendly new mascot and logo will soon become universally recognised as symbols of reliability, efficiency and safety.”
After establishing its first two bases in eastern Africa, Fastjet plans to extend its network to Accra in Ghana and Luanda, Angola.
Fastjet chairman David Lenigas said: “We are excited that the launch is now imminent and that Fastjet will be turning from a concept into a reality.
“The launch of Fastjet has generated enormous interest in east Africa and we are delighted with the strong partnerships being forged with suppliers and governments across the region. Our announced launch and growth plans remain firmly on track.”
In June, Fastjet purchased Lonrho’s aviation business, which currently flies under the Fly540 branding, with operations in Kenya, Tanzania, Angola and Ghana.
fastjet.com