Dar es Salaam: Team fastjet is looking forward to launching its new Embraer E190 fleet soon. The new, modern aircraft arrives in Tanzania this week and will await regulatory approvals after which its launch flight will take place. The aircraft replaces the Airbus A319 which has now gone out of service. The second Embraer E190 is expected toward mid-November. In-between the first flight of the new aircraft and the exit of the old, fastjet will be flying an interim schedule that impacts flights between Mbeya and Dar es Salaam. In addition, fastjet has also launched a plan to greatly improve its customer service.

“We are really looking forward to welcoming the new Embraer E190 aircraft,” says fastjet Tanzania spokesperson Lucy Mbogoro. “It is modern, comfortable and very reliable.” Mbogoro adds that fastjet intends to reclaim its position as one of the continent’s most on-time airlines following the recent cancellations due to technical challenges. “As our new fleet rolls out along with our improved customer service plans, fastjet plans to remain Tanzania’s most punctual airline as well as fulfilling its ideal as the airline for everyone.”

Part of fastjet’s new customer service approach includes email surveys for suggestions and feedback from all passengers, improved Facebook, Twitter and Instagram response times as well as on-board and airport service standards. “It is important that we are there for our customers every step of the way. That we listen and engage. Our passengers in Tanzania are very important to us and the Asante Tanzania campaign is the first step for us in thanking everyone for five years of support, and for a future, together.”

“While we have had to move our schedule around a little bit, with Mbeya flights unfortunately impacted for a couple of weeks, Tanzania has brand new jets to look forward to and the E190’s will be well worth the wait,” says Mbogoro. Flights between Mbeya and Dar es Salaam are expected to resume at the end of October, operated by the new Embraer E190 aircraft, and timed with the full launch of fastjet’s Asante Tanzania campaign and customer service refresh.