On 30th June, 2015, Africa’s low-cost airline fastjet announced that it has been awarded by the Ministry of Transport of Malawi with the Foreign Operators Permit (FOP) to start flights between Malawi’s capital Lilongwe and Tanzania’s commercial capital Dar es Salaam.
The first Dar es Salaam-Lilongwe flight takes off on the 27th July 2015. Initially, fastjet will operate the Tanzania-Malawi direct flight twice a week on Mondays and Fridays.
The new route becomes the sixth international destination in Africa for fastjet after South Africa, Zambia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania.
“Whilst we are directing much of our efforts to prepare for the planned launch of the fastjet Zimbabwe and fastjet Zambia airlines, we continue to work hard on growing our Tanzanian network. This significant step links two prosperous commercial centres and provides the population of both countries with an affordable and reliable air services. Our lowest international fare of USD 50, available to early bookers, is expected to ensure strong demand”, said Mr. Ed Winter, fastjet CEO.
According to Sabre Airline Solutions, the average Dar es Salaam – Lilongwe fare in 2014 was between USD 120 and USD 240.
Currently the Dar es Salaam – Lilongwe route is operated only by Ethiopian/Malawian Airlines.
In May 2015, Fastjet Tanzania carried a total of 65,118 passengers against 42,841 passengers in the same month in 2014, representing an increment of 52%.
