Fastjet Tanzania plans comeback with new aircraft

Fastjet Tanzania plans to resume operations soon, according to chairman Lawrence Mashahas, who says the carrier will lease up to five aircraft which deliver from 22 December 2018.

The African airline, which is facing financial problems, has only 28 days to meet requirements set forth by the Tanzania CAA, else it may lose its operating license permanently.

The first three aircraft will be B737-500s, and all registered in Tanzania, helping the carrier to alleviate recent cancellation issues. The other one or two aircraft will be Bombardier planes, also to be registered in Tanzania.

Fastjet Tanzania aims to resume both domestic and international flights, beginning with the Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg and Nairobi routes, as the carrier looks to regain its 45% market share within Tanzania.

The airline is also in early talks with potential strategic investors from South Africa, China, Malaysia, and India, although no deal has been secured yet, as the company is currently fulfilling its regulatory requirements and settling debts.

Mr. Masha owns 68% of Fastjet Tanzania.