fastjet has incorporated a company in Kenya, to be known as fastjet Kenya, as part of its goal to launch a Kenyan base.

Further, fastjet Kenya has submitted its Air Service Licence application to the Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority.

To comply with local airline ownership rules in Kenya, 51 per cent of the equity of fastjet Kenya is owned by a Kenyan national.

The balance of 49 per cent is ultimately held by fastjet plc.

The ASL application process requires all airlines to formally submit a detailed business plan incorporating its proposed operation, network, aircraft specification, operational plan and commercial strategy.

The ASL is a significant step toward obtaining a full Air Operating Certificate which will allow the commencement of operations domestically within and internationally from Kenya.

The KCAA has indicated that the application, along with all other applications, will be gazetted in Kenya on Friday August 29th 2014.

The public hearing will be held 21 days after publication, following which a decision will be rendered by the authority.

“This is an important step for fastjet,” said Ed Winter, chief executive of fastjet.

“We have submitted a comprehensive application to the authorities who have confirmed that fastjet Kenya has entered the approval process.

“We look forward to bringing the fastjet operation to Kenya, offering our market stimulating fares, our excellent on time performance and friendly service.

“We are excited at the prospect of extending the footprint of the fastjet operation through greater penetration of the African market with a Kenyan-based airline. 

“This is in addition to the application for fastjet Tanzania to operate services into Kenya from Tanzania.”

The process for designation of fastjet Tanzania is ongoing.