Fastjet's Zimbabwe licence application takes step forward

African airline Fastjet (LON:FJET) has received an Air Service Permit (ASP) in Zimbabwe, a major step towards a full Air Operating Certificate (AOC).

Ed Winter, interim chairman and chief executive said the ASP highlighted Fastjet’s growing reputation across Africa with Zimbabwe a key part of its expansion plan.

It recognised the potential in Zimbabwe some time ago, he said, with a huge number of passengers there currently travelling by bus.

“There are as many as 100 buses a day travelling the 1,100km between Harare and Johannesburg at fares up to $120 – return."

“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.

In January, Fastjet received approval for phase 1 of its application for an operating licence in Zambia.

Fastjet bases its operations currently in Tanzania, where it operates three airbuses.