Fastjet has completed the first phase of its Zambian air operator’s certificate (AOC) application, taking the group a small step closer to realizing its pan-African ambitions.

African low-cost carrier fastjet launched in 2012, but its plan to establish a network of fastjet-branded operations across Africa has been stilted by regulatory hurdles.

After two years, it has only established operations out of Tanzania, despite identifying major growth opportunities in Kenya, South Africa and Zambia.
In November, fastjet secured its Zambian air and has since announced it has cleared the first phase of the AOC process.

“The process to obtain permission to operate in Zambia is proceeding extremely well. We have an excellent team in Zambia, who are working positively with the local authorities to complete the approval process as efficiently as possible,” fastjet interim chairman and CEO Ed Winter said, adding that the next stage is already “well underway.”

The Zambian authorities will now evaluate fastjet Zambia’s planned company structure and its operational plan.

The airline is aiming to serve various destinations in East and Southern Africa.

Fastjet has already secured Ugandan fifth freedom rights, allowing it to deploy fastjet Tanzania aircraft between Uganda and third countries.

The group has also applied for a Kenyan Air Service License, but its international expansion plans will require further funding.

11 COMMENTS

A Phiri ana bwe... January 13, 2015 At 2:19 pm

Pity our own local attempts have not managed to develop and expand cheaper options. We should probably focus on building airports and capitalising on our unique geographical advantage to start to build in to a regional hub. Deal with the aviation fuel costs first though.
- Mwaba-Jr January 13, 2015 At 3:14 pm
  
  Is this the national airline Yamfwa Mukanga has been talking about?
- Olympia Extension Chick! January 13, 2015 At 5:57 pm
  
  A Phiri, could not agree more with your analysis. Well put.
Tokoloshi January 13, 2015 At 2:36 pm

Now this is news. Tired of HH this, Chagwa that!!
- jst sayin' January 13, 2015 At 2:59 pm
  
  It’s quite a breather, but the reporting is terrible. This has been told over two times already
- chox.com January 13, 2015 At 3:03 pm
  
  Tired of hh’s noise. Umuntu tabapo nangu bu councillor … alefwaya bu president. Oweee!!!!!! twanaka ne fyongo. Voteleni EL pakuti hh akabe retired early. Is he not 55years alefwaya retirement age? Ifwe EL nipa 65 years ..to retire.
  
  VIVA Edie Lungu
Enka January 13, 2015 At 3:08 pm

I’m sure Kenya Airways ,Ethiopian Airlines and SAA will have a say on Fastjet’s ambitions and it won’t be easy.
Proflight Frequent Flyer January 13, 2015 At 3:46 pm

Uummmm… this is the beginning of Proflight’s long death. If it will cost in the region of $50 to fly Lusaka-Livingstone why jump on a bus when flying is so affordable?
Embraer January 13, 2015 At 3:55 pm

Although it is exciting my fellow Zambians, be warned that cheap airlines easily fold in tough financial times. Learn from previous examples where several low cost airlines in Europe left passengers stranded when companies collapsed. My foot, I wouldn’t risk flying on untested Fastjet because they are cheap, I will keep on supporting my local Proflight.
Matatu January 13, 2015 At 10:29 pm

Never come back Airlines
Mzambia wa zamani January 14, 2015 At 12:00 am

It should be renamed FastCrash airlines bcoz it will go out of business quickly due to competition from KQ,Proflight or SAA.