Low-Cost Airline Will Fly First International Route Friday

South African low-cost carrier fastjet has been given the green light for international flights after a three-week delay.

The carrier, which is supported financially in part by Easyjet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou, will fly its first international flights on Friday from Das es Salaam in Tanzania to Johannesburg.

The airline said in a blog post that the authorization marks "a huge step forward in our plans to become Africa’s low cost airline of choice."

"The South African Department of Transport has completed its review of the additional documents it requested and has issued an updated Foreign Operator Permit," said fastjet CEO and Interim Chairman Ed Winter. "fastjet is delighted that, in line with our expansion strategy, operations can now commence on this route.

"Until now, flying between Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg has been prohibitively expensive for many people. The launch of this service offers a new, affordable and reliable option to both Tanzanians and South Africans."

The airline plans to fly the route Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays, increasing frequency as demand grows.

Buying Business Travel reports that the route was to have been inaugurated September 27, but officials of the airline said it was pushed to mid-October by an "unexpected administrative delay."

FMI: www.fastjet.com