AGPwallah

FastJet Plc ("FastJet"), the AIM listed African airline in which Lonrho owns 67.4%, announces today that it will establish its first operating base at Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The airline will commence flying in November with seats going on sale online a few weeks earlier. Fares will be available for as low as $20 one-way excluding taxes and charges.

The lease for FastJet's first Airbus A319 aircraft has been signed with lessor BBAM and will arrive in Dar es Salaam next month. Recruitment for crew and ground staff is already well advanced.

FastJet Chief Executive Ed Winter said:

"Our initial focus will be on East Africa with the airline's first base at Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where the A319 aircraft has already been approved by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority. This will be followed by a second base in Nairobi, Kenya, once the A319 is approved there. We look forward to bringing a great, reliable and affordable service to the people of East Africa."

Once established in East Africa, FastJet has plans to launch in Accra, Ghana and Luanda and Angola.

Flymecpt

Any ideas yet on routes to be operated from DAR? Took me all day yesterday to get from Zanzibar to Cape Town and cost more than CPT/LON/CPT ticket!

always flying

$20 one way? Impossible, even if its a 5min flight. I think they mean $200... with 124 seats at $20 thats $2480, the airline will be bankrupt before it even gets going. Im sure it costs more to taxi than that measly amount...

kotakota

I don't think you grasp the concept of Easyjet type low cost pricing ?
The wording is ' from $20 ' , so the first row or 5 seats , whatever , on a certain flight are sold at $20 , the next row sold at $30 , and so on . If you try to buy the last seat , beware , it will be 600+ !

kay lo dee

Having just read through the advert for Airbus crew for this company I would like to know a little more.

Does anyone have first hand experience of this company. Any recent hires or mates thereof willing to share some impressions.

Would be very greatful.

kotakota

Dont think anybody has experience of this company , it is a start up .Suggest you read the first post again .

SlatsINOP

Careers - FastJet Plc

SkyRed1

Another company owned by Lonrho 78% holding.they had a 100% stake in Fly540 Angola.
Its an AIM listed company in London financed in major part by share capitalisation recently floated.

Agaricus bisporus

Ed Winter knows what he's doing and will ensure standards remain high. They're in as good hands as you could wish for. If Africa doesn't beat them they should do well.

SkyRed1

Yes certainly need to improve on standards
Heard about a FO in Cabinda Angola who was upgraded to Captain after only a 1 hour check flight which just involved 6 circuits without formalised training.Worryingly he was than told to fly the in the left hand seat and I quote " to get comfy".this from the DFO Fly540 Angola.He naturally refused as he didnt want to "bend the rules" subsequently let go.
Yes this lot certainly need someone to bring up standards and safety.but if the DFO and manager of the Angolan bunch are still there involved then I very much doubt it.

chileno 777

What a rubbish Absolutely not true!!

I still gets urprised with people´s ability to invent lies

And yes... I do live in Angola and yes again...I work for Fly540

SkyRed1

You seem very worried by the truth maybe you are the DFO Pett!!
maybe I will copy and paste that email.

chileno 777

Nope I am just a simple F/O and not worried with the truth just pissed off with the lie.


BTW...the company has the same min regular requirement that any other airline in order to apply to upgrade to command (at least 1500 hours on type and 2 years with the company).

If you are so sure that the story is true...post the email, the date, aircraft involved and pilot´s initials pls.

SkyRed1

Certainly not a lie.
Trying to force a decent pilot to fly that clapped out ATR42 at Cabinda Airport unaccompanied with a junior FO to get and i quot " to get comfy in the left hand seat".
BTW that pilot was admirable in refusing PETTs request.
At that time the pilot in question had only flown 55 minutes in the circuit at CABINDA and subsequently given Command reccomendation.He was not sent for proper Command training and did his LPC in TLS and was checked out as P1
FLY 540 REFUSED to pay for the sim sessions.
On his return to Luanda twDFO sent him that email request.
I lnow therw is some high court action re Lonrho and that individual currently on going..

27ace

So now we have a buyout and a change of management. Fastjet says training and maintenance will be to European standards with a new all jet fleet. So why are some on here spewing ancient history which is all unsubstantiated heresay?
Can we discuss the future of the new venture and new bases without people who obviously have an axe to grind with the former management?
So far I hear 4 A319 to Dar, while Nairobi may take a few more months due to the tougher regulatory requirements to operate there.
Initial crews in Dar will all be experienced expatriates at least for 6 months.

Boeing Europe

Any chance they will take experienced boeing guys and bond them I would love to fly the bus...

Chip Lite

Just a week to go before we fly out and the contract appears bearing no resemblence to the original terms and conditons!!!! Consternation amongst the troops!! Beware.

AGPwallah

Here's the latest Stock Exchange announcement from Lonrho:

fastjet, Africa's first pan African low cost carrier, today unveils its new brand and announces it will begin selling tickets next week ahead of the airline's first flight this month.

The new branding, which replaces the existing placeholder logo, features the well-known African Grey Parrot which was carefully selected following in-depth market research in Africa and reflects the Company's mission, values and target audience.

Commenting on the new branding, fastjet Chief Executive Ed 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."

The airline now has three Airbus A319s as part of its fleet. All three aircraft are in the process of being painted with the fastjet livery before being dispatched to Tanzania ready for the launch.

The airline's new web site Home - FastJet Plc will launch next week providing information on routes and fare schedules. The site will soon allow tickets to be bought using credit/debit cards as well as mobile phone technology that debits the users phone accounts. Additionally, tickets will be sold through travel agents and fastjet's own sales desk, call centre and offices throughout East Africa. Tickets will be available from as low as $20 one-way excluding taxes and charges.

fastjet Chairman David Lenigas added:

"We are excited that the launch is now imminent and that fastjet will be turning from a concept into a reality.

"A recent story emanating from East Africa and picked up by the Daily Telegraph contained material inaccuracies regarding disputes with two Fly540 (Kenya) suppliers. Whilst we are not able to comment directly on these specific cases, we can confirm that the amounts in dispute are not deemed material, and that we will vigorously defend the company's interests as these cases progress. Our shareholders would expect us only to settle invoices that are accurate and appropriate.

"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."

Juliet Sierra Papa

Is this the same company that was reputed to buy 1Time?

1Time was about to be sold - Solidarity - Companies | IOL Business | IOL.co.za

Agaricus bisporus

African grey eh? Chosen, no doubt, for its beautiful plumage...

Question is, will this one need to be nailed to its perch in order to simulate credible life?