Fastjet, the Tanzania-based low-cost carrier established by Stelios Haji-Ioannou, previously of easyJet, has confirmed it is in talks with Emirates with a view to creating a partnership. Fastjet launched commercial services in late November and has been seeking to expand its operations.
Ed Winter, Chief Executive of fastjet, said: “Talks are at an early stage but this represents a great opportunity for both parties. Emirates currently flies to 24 destinations in Africa while fastjet launched its operations in Tanzania last month and plans to become a pan-African carrier.
“A partnership would benefit both fastjet and Emirates with greater passenger traffic and would give travellers in Africa the opportunity to connect to the rest of the world through Emirates’ Dubai hub with fastjet providing passengers from African cities.”
Jean-Luc Grillet, Emirates’ senior vice president in charge of commercial operations for Africa, said: “We are willing to work with fastjet. It is an independent carrier and that makes our work easy.”
Fastjet is also in talks with failed South African low-cost airline 1time with regard to a possible acquisition. However, 1time is currently in provisional liquidation and there is a court return date of 11th December when the liquidation could be made final.
