Fastjet cheers arrival of first branded Airbus A319

Shares of Africa's first pan African low cost airline Fastjet took off after it confirmed the arrival of its first branded Airbus A319 at its base in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, ahead of flight operations scheduled for next week.

Full approval to operate the aircraft has been granted by the Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA).

Two more fastjet-branded A319s are planned to be en route early next week, to be in Dar es Salaam in time for the airline's first flight, scheduled for Thursday November 29th, the group explained

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The airline said its team of 35 pilots, 65 cabin crew and seven maintenance specialists are already on the ground preparing for launch.

Fastjet Chairman David Lenigas commented: "As expected, plans for fastjet's official launch of operations are moving ahead right on schedule and we are delighted with the level of interest so far. Demand for seats is high and we are in great shape to start flying next week. We are delighted to have such a solid foundation to build upon."

CJ