fastjet named cheapest low-cost carrier in Africa

The results of the survey were based on average ticket prices on LCC's, calculated from more than three million prices of flights scheduled for take-off after June 2014.

The survey developed two rankings to compare the cheapest airlines: first based on average basic prices of tickets (without fees) and second based on the prices of tickets including a checked-in luggage fee of a 20 kg bag.

Results show that the average cost of a fastjet flight, excluding luggage, is $71, while adding one 20kg piece of checked-in luggage will see the fare rise to $81.

The cheapest airlines in the world are mainly gathered in Asia - with first place going to Malaysian airline Firefly whose total fare including a checked-in luggage fee was only $41.

Resounding endorsement

"This independent survey is a resounding endorsement that fastjet is achieving its stated intent - to democratise air travel on the African continent by offering affordable, safe, and on-time flights," says Richard Bodin, chief commercial officer at fastjet.

fastjet began operating in November 2012 and has since become an established, reliable, affordable LCC. Over the past year, the airline has seen consistently strong passenger numbers and load factors, and has maintained excellent punctuality and reliability records.

The airline has carried over 635,000 passengers through its domestic network in Tanzania and internationally to Johannesburg and Lusaka, many of whom were first-time fliers. Flights cost as little as $20 for routes within Tanzania, excluding taxes.

The airline has just announced a third international route between Dar es Salaam and Harare in Zimbabwe that will take off for the first time in August 2014, with flights costing as little as $50, excluding taxes. This route further expands fastjet's international route network, bringing safe, affordable air travel to countries across the region.