Fastjet Adds More Flights On Its Dar-Mbeya Route After Strong Demand

Low-cost African airline Fastjet (FJET) is to build on the success of its recently-launched Dar es Salaam to Mbeya route by increasing its capacity to seven flights per week.

The airline, which is backed by easyJet founder, Stelios Haji-Ioannou, launched the first flight between Dar es Salaam and Mbeya in Tanzania November 1st, its fifth domestic route in Tanzania. However, it said, it will launch a Sunday flight from November 24th, and operate extra three flights a week from December 17th, meaning there will be seven flights a week between the two cities.

"We are thrilled with the response to the launch of the Dar es Salaam to Mbeya route. Although we knew demand for the route was likely to be high, initial passenger numbers have certainly exceeded expectations. We are delighted to be able to once again meet our customers' needs and add more capacity to this popular route," chief commercial officer, Richard Bodin said.

Fastjet’s flights to Mbeya so far had achieved an average load factor of 97.5 percent, with a number of flights selling out completely. Load factor is an indicator of how full the planes are.

The airline said it is also considering a capacity increase on its first international service between Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg, a route it only launched last month. It said, it is seeing "solid" demand on the route.


Credit: corporate-digest.com