Stelios-backed Fastjet starts low-cost flights in Tanzania
FASTJET, the low cost African airline that counts aviation entrepreneur Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and Lonrho among its backers, yesterday sold its first tickets as it tries to introduce budget air travel to the continent.
The firm will offer $20 domestic flights in Tanzania, with the routes officially opening at the end of the month.
The launch comes just six months after the airline was founded, when listed investment vehicle Rubicon took over regional carrier Fly540.
Fly540, previously owned by African conglomerate Lonrho, remains the brand for flights in Kenya, Ghana, Angola, Sierra Leone and Cote d’Ivoire.
“Our first three Airbus A319s will be arriving in Tanzania shortly and we are very much looking forward to providing reliable airline services to an international standard for the people of Africa,” said executive chairman David Lenigas.
Shares in Aim-listed Fastjet closed down 1.4 per cent at 3.43p yesterday.