Fastjet passengers rise 50% year-on-year in February 2015

Airline Fastjet (LON:FJET) saw year-on-year growth of 50% in passenger numbers in February and will boost capacity for the peak Easter and summer months.

The Tanzania-based group carried 52,801 passengers in February with a load factor of 70%, compared to 31,250 a year earlier at a 60% load factor.

Fuel prices were also 13% lower in February than the previous month and were 37% less per gallon than a year ago.

The Africa-focused airline also sold 24,000 seats in its latest sale targeting the off-peak March period with prices at US$20 on domestic routes and US$50 on international flights.

Ed Winter, interim chairman and chief executive said: "With a 50% increase in passengers we continue to see great year on year growth achieved by increased utilisation of our aircraft.“

Fastjet was also awarded the top “gold” award at this year’s prestigious Stevie Awards for e-Commerce and Customer Service.