fastjet has reinstated its flights between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls, with bookings showing very positive movement.

The route was temporarily suspended during the carrier’s stabilisation plan implementation period.

Demand for more affordable travel has increased substantially as fastjet’s South African traffic continues to grow along with international connecting travel.

fastjet flies between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Tourism to the resort town has seen 21 per cent year on year growth according to reports published in Zimbabwe with increased air traffic coupled with last year’s $ 150 million airport upgrade counted as significant contributing factors.

“Interest by South Africans in visiting Victoria Falls has also seen a positive jump,” said fastjet spokesperson Hein Kaiser.

“And while reports show an decline in inbound tourism from the region, anecdotal evidence and trade feedback suggests that the Falls now rank amongst the top three future African destinations for South Africans, keeping company with Zanzibar.”

Kaiser adds that December holiday season load factors are climbing.

Mozambique

fastjet has also launched its brand in Mozambique today.

The carrier, which currently operates in Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, will be the first low-cost carrier to enter the Mozambican market and the launch comes as the airline positions itself for growth.

Commenting on the launch, fastjet chief executive, Nico Bezuidenhout, said: “Today’s announcement marks fastjet’s first expansion since the implementation of our stabilisation plan and will see the brand enter a market where sustained demand for both leisure and business travel presents a very positive business case.”

fastjet plans initially to serve some of the larger commercial centres in Mozambique with Embraer E145 50-seater aircraft.

The launch is in partnership with Solenta Aviation Mozambique, a division of shareholder Solenta Aviation.

fastjet’s schedule, network and on-sale date for flights in Mozambique will be announced soon.