A deal with Emirates would be a major boon for fastjet

fastjet has confirmed it is in talks with Dubai-based Emirates to potentially create a partnership.

The Africa-based low-cost carrier launched commercial services in late November and has been seeking to expand its operations.

Following talks with fastjet, Jean-Luc Grillet, Emirates senior vice president in charge of commercial operations for Africa, has been quoted as saying: “We are willing to work with fastjet. It is an independent carrier and that makes our work easy.”

Earlier this week it confirmed it was in talks with failed South African low-cost airline 1time with regard to a possible acquisition.

Commenting on the talks with Emirates, fastjet chief executive Ed Winter said: “Talks are at an early stage but this represents a great opportunity for both parties.”

“Emirates currently flies to 24 destinations in Africa while fastjet launched its operations in Tanzania last month and plans to become a pan African carrier.

“A partnership would benefit both fastjet and Emirates with greater passenger traffic and would give travellers in Africa the opportunity to connect to the rest of the world through Emirates’ Dubai hub with fastjet providing passengers from African cities.”