fastjet has announce that, as part of its plans to grow its footprint in sub-Saharan Africa, it has received an Air Service Permit from the ministry of transport and infrastructural development Zimbabwe.

The department is responsible for administering the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe.

This is a significant step towards the company obtaining an Air Operating Certificate and its plans to launch fastjet Zimbabwe in due course.

Ed Winter, chief executive officer of fastjet, said: “We recognised the real potential in Zimbabwe some time ago and as such have been working with the authorities both to build fastjet Zimbabwe and obtain permission to commence operations to various domestic and international destinations from the country.

“The granting of the ASP demonstrates the ever-increasing reputation that fastjet has built across the region and marks a significant step forward for our business.

“fastjet has identified many potential routes within and from Zimbabwe where it believes that the low cost model will stimulate the market and tap into the huge market of passengers currently travelling by bus. 

“For example 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.