Fastjet is in discussions with the Zambian government with the intent of creating a fastjet airline based in Lusaka.
According to fastjet, the business and political environment in Zambia is very progressive and their discussions to date with the Zambian government, Tourist Board and other stakeholders have been very positive. Highlighted during the talks have been the benefits of a low-cost airline to the country, which will include the expansion of trade and tourism links and the safety and reliability improvements fastjet wants to bring to the Zambian aviation industry.
The new airline, while being distributed and marketed as a part of the pan-African fastjet network, would be a Zambian-registered company in which fastjet would have a substantial stake. The airline would have country-specific branding and would provide employment opportunities to suitably-qualified Zambians.
Fastjet will progress its application for an Air Services Licence and Air Operator Certificate as rapidly as possible, but this process is likely to take up to six months. The airline began flying to Zambia in November 2013 (see story here).