fastjet's First Flight to Lilongwe Takes to the Skies
Posted on: Wednesday, July 29, 2015
On Monday fastjet’s first flight between Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Lilongwe in Malawi took to the skies, marking the launch of the low-cost airline’s sixth international route in Africa.
Flight FN209 departed Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport at 09h40 with Tanzanian government officials, local passengers and media on board. Upon arrival at Malawi’s Lilongwe International Airport at 10h20, fastjet hosted an official launch ceremony before returning to Dar es Salaam on flight FN210 at 10h55, landing at 13h35 (all local times).
The Dar es Salaam – Lilongwe flights will initially operate twice a week on Mondays and Fridays, using the airline’s modern Airbus A319 jet aircraft with seating for up to 156 passengers. fastjet Tanzania expects to add more capacity to this route as demand for its safe, quick, affordable and on-time service increases.
Tickets for flights with fastjet are on sale starting from US$50 one-way, excluding taxes, with the promise that the earlier the booking is made, the lower the fare will be. This compares favourably with other carriers on the route that charge upwards of $300, plus taxes. The journey by road between the two cities takes at least 21 hours, travelling 1,520km around Lake Malawi.
With its low-cost fares, fastjet Tanzania expects many of its passengers on this new route to be first time flyers who would otherwise not have been able to afford to travel by air. Supporting this belief is the research undertaken by the airline in December 2014, which showed that 35% of its passengers were first time flyers.
“Until now, it has been prohibitively expensive to fly between Lilongwe and Dar es Salaam,” says Jimmy Kibati, fastjet Tanzania’s General Manager for East Africa. “We believe that affordable fares on a direct route between the two cities will make it possible for more people in Malawi and Tanzania to experience the safety and convenience of air travel. We have worked closely with the governments of these two magnificent countries to establish this route, as we all agree that it will strengthen the trade, tourism and business sectors.”
fastjet will be offering its ‘Freighty’ luggage option that allows passengers to transport up to 80kg of checked in bags, as well as its ‘Smart Class’ fares, which include pre-booked premium seat selection, increased baggage allowance of 32kg and the ability to change flight dates.
“We expect Freighty to be popular with traders flying to purchase wholesale produce internationally to transport back to their home markets for resale, as fastjet’s low fares support their businesses by reducing their overall procurement costs,” says Kibati. “Low-cost air travel stimulates economies in a number of ways, and we’re excited to contribute to economic growth in the countries we operate in.”
Bookings can be made online at www.fastjet.com, through any fastjet office, through travel agents or by contacting fastjet’s 24 hour call centre on +255 784 108 900. Payment for tickets can be made with cash, online with a credit card, or through Mpesa and Tigo Pesa.
fastjet Tanzania already operates domestically from Dar es Salaam to Mwanza, Mbeya and Kilimanjaro, as well as between Kilimanjaro and Mwanza, and internationally between Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg in South Africa, Lusaka in Zambia, Entebbe in Uganda, and Harare in Zimbabwe. fastjet also flies between Kilimanjaro and Entebbe.
Other current news items
New 4-day Walking Trail from Luwawa Forest to Lake Malawi
Posted on: Friday, April 20, 2018
African Parks continue Malawi's Wildlife Transformation through 2018
Posted on: Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Nkwichi launch prime time discount to international guests
Posted on: Wednesday, April 11, 2018
CAWS: Plunge Pools, Earth Hour & Top Guides
Posted on: Monday, April 09, 2018
New Venue Announced for Lake of Stars 2018
Posted on: Friday, April 06, 2018
African Parks expands Liwonde management to include Mangochi Forest Reserve
Posted on: Tuesday, April 03, 2018
Lilongwe Wildlife Trust: Wildlife Vets, Species & Courses
Posted on: Friday, March 30, 2018
Orbis seeks participants for Women's Challenge
Posted on: Wednesday, March 28, 2018
CAWS: Liwonde Lions, Excellent Birding & New Shuttle Service
Posted on: Friday, March 23, 2018
Extra Ethiopian Airlines flights from UK to Africa
Posted on: Wednesday, March 21, 2018
March 2018 Newsletter
Posted on: Monday, March 19, 2018
The Responsible Safari Company are hiring!
Posted on: Monday, March 19, 2018
Lilongwe Wildlife Trust Impact Report 2017
Posted on: Wednesday, March 14, 2018
News from Malawian Style
Posted on: Tuesday, March 13, 2018
95 Years of Satemwa
Posted on: Friday, March 09, 2018
Cycle Malawi for the Conservation of Zomba Forest
Posted on: Wednesday, March 07, 2018
Lions Reintroduced to Liwonde National Park in Malawi
Posted on: Monday, March 05, 2018
Lilongwe Wildlife Trust: Wildlife Day, Recycling Hubs & Saving Vervets
Posted on: Friday, March 02, 2018
Fisherman's Rest: Ntayamwana WASH Project & 2017 Achievements
Posted on: Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Cycle through Southern Malawi with African Vision Malawi
Posted on: Tuesday, February 27, 2018
New Malawi Bird Book published
Posted on: Saturday, February 24, 2018
#BuyMalawian2018 launched in the UK - Win a holiday to Malawi!
Posted on: Thursday, February 22, 2018
Malawi's Lodges: Awards & Developments
Posted on: Monday, February 19, 2018
Malawi's Wildlife Crime Justice Programme produces record results
Posted on: Friday, February 16, 2018
South African Airways introduce state-of-the-art Aircraft
Posted on: Wednesday, February 14, 2018
CAWS: Green Season flourishes & Chintheche gets new snaps
Posted on: Monday, February 12, 2018
Orbis to run Family Expedition in October
Posted on: Friday, February 09, 2018
Lake of Stars project slates London UK event for March 2018
Posted on: Wednesday, February 07, 2018
February 2018 Newsletter
Posted on: Friday, February 02, 2018
Ethiopian Airlines launch mobile app
Posted on: Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Rejuvenate at Mumbo Island's Wellness Retreat in March
Posted on: Monday, January 29, 2018
Top Country for 2018? Malawi!
Posted on: Friday, January 26, 2018
Join Orbis Expeditions on a Malawian Triathlon
Posted on: Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Cycle 500 Miles down Lake Malawi in September
Posted on: Monday, January 22, 2018
Ethiopian to debut Geneva flights
Posted on: Friday, January 19, 2018
CAWS launches 2018 Green Season Specials
Posted on: Thursday, January 18, 2018
Lake of Stars host one-day Festival in Glasgow
Posted on: Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Malawi at the Shows - Free & Discounted Tickets available
Posted on: Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Malawi Developments 2017 - 2018
Posted on: Monday, January 08, 2018
The Lake of Stars festival returns
Posted on: Thursday, January 04, 2018
CAWS: Bush Breakfasts, Birding & Awareness
Posted on: Friday, December 29, 2017
Prince Harry Appointed President of African Parks
Posted on: Thursday, December 28, 2017
Lilongwe Wildlife Trust: Pangolins, Duikers & Jewellery
Posted on: Wednesday, December 27, 2017
December 2017 Newsletter
Posted on: Thursday, December 21, 2017
Prizes up for grabs at Malawian Style's US Events in January
Posted on: Monday, December 18, 2017
Press trip to Malawi with South African Airways
Posted on: Friday, December 15, 2017
Malawi named #3 in top countries to visit in 2018
Posted on: Thursday, December 14, 2017
Leonardo DiCaprio commits to protect lions in Malawi
Posted on: Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Nkwichi packages combine Malawi's hotspots
Posted on: Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Christmas in Malawi with CAWS!
Posted on: Monday, December 04, 2017
Lake of Stars Launches London Event!
Posted on: Friday, December 01, 2017
CAWS now offering moonlit safaris at Mvuu
Posted on: Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Warm Heart Adventures - Malawi from a local perspective
Posted on: Monday, November 27, 2017
Fisherman's Rest: Building Blocks & Beating Boreholes
Posted on: Friday, November 24, 2017
CAWS: Mother's Day Births & Spectacular Wildlife
Posted on: Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Zomba's Variety
Posted on: Monday, November 20, 2017
November 2017 Newsletter
Posted on: Friday, November 17, 2017
Lilongwe Wildlife Trust: Duikers, Lions & Teachers
Posted on: Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Tongole Wilderness Lodge wins 'Best in Africa' awards
Posted on: Monday, November 13, 2017
Evolving Serendib offers business and pleasure
Posted on: Friday, November 10, 2017
The ever-growing Mushroom Farm to build Community 'Hub'
Posted on: Wednesday, November 08, 2017
Nkwichi Wins Big at World Travel Awards
Posted on: Monday, November 06, 2017
Wildlife Action Group: New Camps & Elephant Bonds
Posted on: Friday, November 03, 2017
Kachenga Bush Camp opens in Nkhotakota
Posted on: Wednesday, November 01, 2017
CAWS: Moonlight Drives, Incredible Sightings & CITW Hostings
Posted on: Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Introducing Kuthengo Camp by Robin Pope Safaris
Posted on: Monday, October 23, 2017
The Tongole Foundation Appeal 2017
Posted on: Friday, October 20, 2017
Lilongwe Wildlife Trust: Orphans, Zebras and Pedal Power Cinemas!
Posted on: Thursday, October 19, 2017
Malawian Wins Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa
Posted on: Monday, October 16, 2017
Luwawa Forest Lodge Annual Birding Weekend
Posted on: Thursday, October 12, 2017
News from Malawian Style
Posted on: Wednesday, October 11, 2017
October 2017 Newsletter
Posted on: Monday, October 09, 2017
Kande Horse host 4 day Yoga Retreat
Posted on: Wednesday, October 04, 2017
Nyika-Vwaza UK Annual Evening set for November in London
Posted on: Tuesday, October 03, 2017
Complete Malawi
Posted on: Friday, September 29, 2017
Make a bid to safari with Malawian Style
Posted on: Thursday, September 28, 2017
Nyike Vwaza Trust launch Nyika Guide Book
Posted on: Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Robin Pope Safaris: Latest Lion Litter?
Posted on: Friday, September 22, 2017
Barefoot Safaris & Lodge for Sale
Posted on: Wednesday, September 20, 2017
CAWS Newsletter: Nyika, Elephant Viewing & Awards
Posted on: Monday, September 18, 2017
Boats for Sale
Posted on: Friday, September 15, 2017
Fisherman's Rest: Girl Guides, Schools & a Changu Changu Moto!
Posted on: Wednesday, September 13, 2017
The World in Malawi
Posted on: Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Nkwichi host annual Choir festival with support from Andrew Lloyd Webber!
Posted on: Thursday, August 31, 2017
500 Elephants Get a New Home in Malawi
Posted on: Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Nyika sanctuary now home to 34 elephants
Posted on: Friday, August 25, 2017
August 2017 Newsletter
Posted on: Monday, August 21, 2017
CAWS Newsletter: Elephants, Trails & Partnerships
Posted on: Monday, August 14, 2017
Fisherman's Rest: New Classrooms & Community Projects
Posted on: Wednesday, August 09, 2017
Sangwala Trail launched in Nyika by CAWS
Posted on: Monday, August 07, 2017
Malawi gets 3 winners in the Tusker Awards!
Posted on: Wednesday, August 02, 2017
Malawi Leads the Way in Animal Conservation
Posted on: Monday, July 31, 2017
Lilongwe Wildlife Trust: Elephants, Jackals, Award & Successes!
Posted on: Monday, July 24, 2017
Upgrades leave Mvuu Camp & Lodge looking spectacular
Posted on: Thursday, July 20, 2017
Exciting times at RSC
Posted on: Friday, July 14, 2017
CAWS Newsletter: Cheetah sightings, Renovations & Awards
Posted on: Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Ethiopian Airlines - Best Airline in Africa!
Posted on: Friday, July 07, 2017
#500Elephants: Final phase underway!
Posted on: Wednesday, July 05, 2017
Responsible Safari Company: Itineraries & Expeditions
Posted on: Tuesday, July 04, 2017
Mount Mulanje Porters Race on the cards
Posted on: Friday, June 30, 2017
Lilongwe Wildlife Trust: Elephants, Cheetahs & Monkeys!
Posted on: Wednesday, June 28, 2017
The Travel Centre launch Blantyre info desk
Posted on: Tuesday, June 27, 2017
A Round-up from Robin Pope Safaris
Posted on: Friday, June 23, 2017
Ethiopian Airlines: Fleet Expansion, Humanitarian Aid & Awards
Posted on: Monday, June 19, 2017
June 2017 Newsletter
Posted on: Friday, June 16, 2017
News from Malawian Style
Posted on: Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Cheetahs Back in Malawi!
Posted on: Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Fisherman's Rest: Young Campaigners & Community Report
Posted on: Wednesday, May 24, 2017
What3Words now added to Malawi site
Posted on: Friday, May 12, 2017
CAWS New Developments
Posted on: Monday, May 08, 2017
Unique Opportunity to witness 'Conservation Malawi'
Posted on: Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Rhythms of the Rainforest returns to Ntchisi
Posted on: Monday, April 24, 2017
Photography Workshops in Liwonde with Frank Weitzer
Posted on: Thursday, April 20, 2017
Danforth Yachting - Time Out
Posted on: Wednesday, April 12, 2017
EMMS launch Pedal&Pray Challenge
Posted on: Friday, March 31, 2017
March 2017 Newsletter
Posted on: Monday, March 27, 2017
#BeMoved: New Elephant calves born in Nkhotakota
Posted on: Thursday, March 23, 2017
Chelinda Lodge & Camp Finalists in The Tusker Awards
Posted on: Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Malawian Style: Southern Adventure, Cheetahs & New Flights
Posted on: Thursday, March 16, 2017
#BuyMalawian2017 & WIN a trip to Malawi!
Posted on: Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Hugely successful Lake of Stars Festival to return in 2018
Posted on: Monday, February 20, 2017
Fisherman's Rest: New Website & New Forests
Posted on: Friday, February 10, 2017
Ethiopian Airlines plans record expansion with 7 new destinations
Posted on: Monday, February 06, 2017
Sunbird Tourism to manage Thawale Lodge
Posted on: Wednesday, February 01, 2017
Fisherman's Rest: 2016 has been fantastic!
Posted on: Monday, January 30, 2017
Kenya Airways celebrates 40 years with special offers
Posted on: Thursday, January 26, 2017
Malawian Style: Offers, Malawi & Zambia packages & New Website
Posted on: Tuesday, January 24, 2017
January 2017 Newsletter
Posted on: Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Oxford Chichewa Dictionary Launched!
Posted on: Monday, January 16, 2017
Malawi at the Shows - Free & Discounted Tickets available
Posted on: Thursday, January 12, 2017
A New Chapter Unfolds for Central African Wilderness Safaris
Posted on: Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Majete: A Reserve Restored
Posted on: Friday, January 06, 2017
Malawi In The Media
Posted on: Wednesday, February 11, 2015
What the papers say about Malawi! 2015 Archive
Posted on: Tuesday, January 01, 2013
What the papers say about Malawi! 2014 Archive
Posted on: Tuesday, January 01, 2013
What the papers say about Malawi! 2012 - 2013 Archive
Posted on: Tuesday, January 01, 2013
What the papers say about Malawi!
Posted on: Tuesday, January 01, 2013
follow us on twitter
