Fastjet has recorded a slight drop of its passengers for October and November in Tanzania attributed to what they described as prolonged effects of October General Election in TanzaniaThe airline carried 62,843 passengers during the month, with the load factor – a measure of how full its aeroplanes were – down three points from the previous month to 60 per cent.
It attributes the decline to the October General Election saying it resulted in muted demand from government and civil service. “Primarily due to the prolonged effect of the presidential election in Tanzania, which has yet to result in Cabinet being appointed or a budget being agreed.
This has reduced demand from governmental and civil service traffic, and had an adverse effect on travel more widely in the country.,” Fastjet Chief Executive Officer, Ed Winter was quoted in a statement.
“Whilst we remain mindful of the temporary reduction in demand in Tanzania, we expect that this will improve in the New Year when the political environment stabilises.
Severe weather in November led to a slight reduction in punctuality, with 84 per cent of Fastjet’s Tanzania flights arriving on time; however, the weather in Zimbabwe was more clement, and all of Fastjet’s Zimbabwe flights arrived on time in what was the first month of operation in the country.
“We are delighted that Fastjet Zimbabwe has been well received in its first month of operation. Passenger’s feedback has been positive and we look forward to expanding that network,” said Chief Executive, Ed Winter.
During the month, Fastjet also launched new route between Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg and Zanzibar.
Tickets for the new route are currently on sale, with operations commencing in January 2016 with daily flights between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
“The exciting launch of new route between Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg and Zanzibar links the stunning island with two thriving commercial centres.
Zanzibar, year-round holiday destination, has recently enjoyed increased popularity, especially in South Africa. We expect to attract new passengers to Fastjet in both Tanzania and South Africa with our affordable fares and reliable air services,” Winter said.
Investor concerns are likely to focus on the core Tanzanian services, however, and here Winter offered some hope, expressing confidence that things would pick up in the New Year when the political environment stabilises.
“Our ‘one day anniversary sale’ on 30 November, produced some excellent results, filling many seats into early 2016,” Winter revealed.
Zanzibar, year-round holiday destination, has recently enjoyed increased popularity, especially in South Africa. We expect to attract new passengers to Fastjet in both Tanzania and South Africa with our affordable fares and reliable air services,” Winter said.
Investor concerns are likely to focus on the core Tanzanian services, however, and here Winter offered some hope, expressing confidence that things would pick up in the New Year when the political environment stabilises.
“Our ‘one day anniversary sale’ on 30 November, produced some excellent results, filling many seats into early 2016,” Winter revealed.
Source: Daily News, reported from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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