fastjet aims to launch airline base in Kenya

fastjet Kenya has submitted its air service licence (ASL) application to the Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) so that fastjet can work towards obtaining a full air operating certificate which will allow the low-cost airline to commence operations domestically and internationally from Kenya.

To comply with local airline ownership rules in Kenya, 51% of the equity of fastjet Kenya is owned by a Kenyan national. The balance of 49% is ultimately held by fastjet plc.

The ASL application process requires all airlines to formally submit a detailed business plan incorporating its proposed operation, network, aircraft specification, operational plan and commercial strategy.

The KCAA has indicated that the application, along with all other applications, will be gazetted in Kenya on Friday, 29 August 2014. The public hearing will be held 21 days after publication, following which a decision will be rendered by the authority.

Approval process

"This is an important step for fastjet," said Ed Winter, CEO of fastjet. "We have submitted a comprehensive application to the authorities who have confirmed that fastjet Kenya has entered the approval process. We look forward to bringing the fastjet operation to Kenya, offering our market stimulating fares, our excellent on time performance and friendly service.

"We are excited at the prospect of extending the footprint of the fastjet operation through greater penetration of the African market with a Kenyan-based airline. This is in addition to the application for fastjet Tanzania to operate services into Kenya from Tanzania. The process for designation of fastjet Tanzania is ongoing."

Whilst the senior management of fastjet is monitoring the Ebola outbreak in Wesr Africa, it can confirm that there have been no reported cases in any of the fastjet destinations.

Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia which is the nearest country effected by the outbreak, is 8,150km from Dar es Salaam (compared to 7,150km from Monrovia to London). Additionally, there are currently no direct flights between West Africa and Tanzania. The fastjet business has not been affected by the epidemic.