Fastjet Zambia, a subsidiary of Pan-African low-cost airline fastjet, has successfully completed the first phase of its application for an Air Operating Certificate (AOC).
“The confirmation from the Zambian Civil Aviation Authority is a significant step towards the launch of fastjet operations in the country,” the company noted.
The next stage of the AOC process, which was already under way, would entail authorities evaluating fastjet Zambia's planned company structure, gaining first-hand understanding of the airline’s aircraft and approving fastjet Zambia's operational plan.
Once the AOC was approved, the company would be allowed to start operations in the landlocked country.
"The process to obtain permission to operate in Zambia is proceeding extremely well. We have an excellent team in the country, who are working positively with the local authorities to complete the approval process as efficiently as possible.
"We look forward to bringing the high quality and low-cost fastjet operation to the people of Zambia soon,” fastjet CEO Ed Winter said.
Zambia would be fastjet's second base from which it planned to operate low-cost flights to various destinations in East and Southern Africa.
Meanwhile, fastjet reported that it had also received permission from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority to operate flights from Uganda to Juba, in South Sudan; Nairobi, in Kenya; Kigali, in Rwanda and Johannesburg, in South Africa under “5th Freedom” rights, using Tanzania-based aircraft.
Once the authorities in the relevant countries gave their approval, fastjet Tanzania would be able to offer flights linking Entebbe with these destinations.
Fastjet started operations from Dar es Salaam to Entebbe on September 16, adding additional flights in October. “This permission would further establish fastjet in Uganda and assist in the process of offering additional destinations to fastjet's growing network,” the company pointed out.