fastjet has unveiled its first fully branded aircraft ahead of commencing flight operations in Tanzania in two days’ time.

At an industry event in Dar es Salaam, government officials, fastjet executives and aviation experts watched the Fastjet Airbus A319 take to the skies for the first time.

From Thursday fastjet will operate twice daily flights on its first two routes, Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam to Mwanza, both popular domestic destinations.

Tickets went on sale two weeks ago and fastjet has recorded strong demand; outstripping its initial expectations. 

Average fares are expected to be $80 but now start from as low as US$20 one-way (excluding taxes and charges) for customers who book early. 

Representing the Tanzanian ministry of transport, deputy minister Charles Tizeba was present at the launch and welcomed fastjet’s entry to Tanzania; demonstrating the government’s support for the new airline.

Speaking today in Dar es Salaam, fastjet chief executive Ed Winter said: “Today is an incredibly exciting day not just for fastjet, but for Tanzania and Africa as a whole.

“For years, the African aviation-market has been significantly underserved, lagging a very long way behind the rest of the world. 

“GDP growth is fuelling a real increase in disposable incomes and consumer spending and although this is accompanied with a growing demand for travel, the African people just haven’t had a reliable and affordable air travel option available to them.

“fastjet will now serve to fill that gap and we look forward to bringing the people of Tanzania and indeed the whole continent the first pan African low cost, point-to-point, all jet airline, operating to international standards of safety and quality.”