Fastjet to launch two new routes in Tanzania following high demand

9:11 am by Giles Gwinnett Chief executive Ed Winter said: “fastjet achieved an 81% load factor in February which clearly demonstrates continuing high demand for low cost reliable air travel in Africa.”

Due to high demand, low-cost African carrier Fastjet (LON:FJET) is launching two more domestic routes in Tanzania, it told investors today.

The firm is increasing capacity by 50%, it also revealed, as it updated on passenger statistics for last month.

Chief executive Ed Winter said: "Fastjet achieved an 81% load factor in February which clearly demonstrates continuing high demand for low cost reliable air travel in Africa.

“In response to this demand, Fastjet is increasing its capacity by 50% and launching two more domestic routes in Tanzania. From 18 March 2013, Fastjet will operate daily flights between Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro and Mwanza."

Passenger numbers on all operations increased by 66.3% last month to 80,690 compared to February 2012.

On the Tanzania service, where operations started in November last year, the number of passengers last month was 26,387.

The firm added that 99.7% of flights last month arrived within 15 minutes of schedule, an average arrival delay of just 7 minutes, and no cancellations.

Fastjet shares rose 2.06% to change hands at 2.48p.