Politics and precipitation impede Fastjet loads

Political turmoil and foul weather hampered passenger loads for Fastjet in November, it announced on Tuesday.

The AIM-listed African easyGroup affiliate carried a total of 62,843 passengers during the month, with a load factor of 60% - down 3% on October.

Fastjet blamed this on the prolonged Tanzanian presidential election process. The country remained without a cabinet or a budget, which the airline said resulted in muted demand from government and civil service.

On-time performance in Tanzania was also hampered by severe weather, with 84% of flights running within 15 minutes of schedule, while 100% of flights ran within 15 minutes for the Zimbabwean operation in its first month in the air.

"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", chief executive officer Ed Winter said.

"We are delighted that Fastjet Zimbabwe has been well received in its first month of operation. Passenger feedback has been positive and we look forward to expanding that network."

In the announcement, Fastjet also confirmed a new route between Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg and Zanzibar would launch in January 2016.