BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Fastjet Zimbabwe, has announced the introduction of an Airbus A320-200 on a short-term lease agreement to support increased passenger demand during the peak travel period of August and September 2026.
The aircraft is expected to enter service on August 1, 2026 and will operate primarily on the high-demand Harare–Johannesburg and Victoria Falls–Johannesburg routes.
The temporary operation of the Airbus A320 forms part of fastjet Zimbabwe’s strategy to increase capacity during the peak season while evaluating the aircraft type as a potential permanent addition to its fleet from 2027.
Donahue Cortes, Business Chief Executive and Country Head of fastjet Zimbabwe, said “the August and September peak travel period presents an ideal opportunity for us to introduce the Airbus A320 into our operation. “This additional capacity enables us to meet the increased demand on our busiest routes while maintaining the reliability and service standards our customers expect”.
“Beyond supporting our immediate operational requirements, this deployment is an important strategic step. It allows us to evaluate the Airbus A320 within our network as part of our longer-term fleet development strategy. “Subject to the outcome of this trial, we see the Airbus A320 becoming a permanent part of the fastjet Zimbabwe fleet from next year, supporting our continued growth and strengthening connectivity between Zimbabwe and the region,” concluded Cortes.
Fastjet Zimbabwe is a multi-award-winning African airline that began flight operations in 2015. Today, fastjet Zimbabwe connects three major cities in Zimbabwe by flying between Harare and Victoria Falls, as well as between Harare and Bulawayo.
In addition, the airline offers international flights from Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls to Johannesburg in South Africa, from Victoria Falls to Mbombela (Kruger) and Nelspruit, Kruger Mpumalanga in South Africa. Its awards include World Travel Awards in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, Skytrax World Airline Awards in 2017 and 2019, and the top ten finalists for 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025.
Since commencing operations, fastjet has flown over 4 million passengers and has established itself as a reliable African airline brand, with a range of value-added products and services. In 2024, fastjet Zimbabwe successfully achieved the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registration.
This registration acknowledges fastjet’s conformance and adherence to the aviation industry’s highest operational and safety standards. As part of the airline’s commitment to offering choice, flexibility and value, customers benefit from generous free baggage allowances, flexible change options, multiple payment channels, airport lounge access on select routes, free in-flight services and ancillary services such as car hire.
