fastjet has announced it will commence international flight operations on October 18th.

The low-cost airline’s first international flight, from Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport in Tanzania to Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport in South Africa, is scheduled to depart at 09:15 on Friday morning and will arrive in South Africa at 11:45, local time.

Flights between the two cities will initially be operated by fastjet three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, increasing in frequency as soon as consumer demand dictates.

fastjet chief executive Ed Winter said: “The South African department of transport has completed its review of the additional documents it requested and has issued an updated Foreign Operator Permit.

“fastjet is delighted that, in line with our expansion strategy, operations can now commence on this route.

“Until now, flying between Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg has been prohibitively expensive for many people.

“The launch of this service offers a new, affordable and reliable option to both Tanzanians and South Africans.”