African low-cost carrier fastjet has announced that it has received an Air Service Permit (ASP) from Zimbabwe authorities, meaning it is a step closer to obtaining an Air Operating Certificate (AOC) and ultimately launching its fastjet Zimbabwe business. The airline already serves the country’s capital Harare from Dar es Salaam but through its Tanzania-based operation.
The award of the Air Service Permit (ASP) from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development of the Government of Zimbabwe, which is responsible for administering the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ), is a significant step towards the Company obtaining an Air Operating Certificate (AOC) and its plans to grow its footprint in Sub- Saharan Africa.
"We recognised the real potential in Zimbabwe some time ago and have been working with the authorities to build fastjet Zimbabwe, and obtain permission to commence operations to various domestic and international destinations from the country,” said Ed Winter, interim chairman and chief executive officer, fastjet.
The granting of the ASP demonstrates the ever-increasing reputation that fastjet is building across the region and marks a significant step forward of its business.
"fastjet has identified many potential routes within and from Zimbabwe where it believes that the low-cost model will stimulate and tap into the huge market of passengers currently travelling by bus. For example there are as many as 100 buses a day travelling the 1,100km between Harare and Johannesburg at fares up to $120 – return," added Winter.
fastjet has been working with the authorities to obtain the necessary licences over the past few months, the final step being the public ‘Gazetting’ of the application earlier this month. Receiving an ASP means that the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe and the Ministry of Transport have approved the business plan, aircraft choice and proposed structure of the planned airline as appropriate to operate and compliant with Zimbabwe regulations.
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