Budget carrier Fastjet has won Africa’s Leading Low-Cost Airline Award at the 23rd Annual World Travel Awards held in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
The entry of the British low-cost airline in 2012 in Tanzania and later in Kenya sparked off ticket price war in the region after it promised fares relatively cheaper than its competitors such Kenya Airways.
Fastjet was honoured for making air travel more affordable, safe and reliable across its pan-African network.
“Being recognised and accepting this award not only reflects our commitment to air-travel excellence, but the impact we endeavour to make on the African continent,” said Jai Gilbert, the head of marketing at Fastjet.
With its hub in Dar es Salaam, the airline flies within Tanzania – to Mbeya, Mwanza and Kilimanjaro – as well as Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Malawi. The airline also plans to fly to Rwanda, eastern DR Congo and South Sudan.
Kenya Airways was named Africa’s leading airline in 2016 at the event, a position previously held by South African Airways.
Ethiopian Airlines was also feted as Africa’s leading economy class carrier.
