Fastjet Zimbabwe Marks a Decade of Regional Growth with Fleet Expansion on the Horizon

The Zimbabwean skies witnessed a significant milestone on 28th October 2025 as Fastjet Zimbabwe celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking ten years of unwavering connectivity across Southern Africa. Since its inaugural flight, Fastjet has played a pivotal role in intertwining communities, fostering economic development, and reinforcing Zimbabwe’s position as a vibrant gateway for both business and tourism within the region.

This decade-long journey has not only connected people to places but has also stitched together stories, ambitions, and lasting memories, transforming the aviation landscape in Zimbabwe and its neighbouring countries. Speaking on the occasion, Farai Mutamangira, Chairman of Fastjet Zimbabwe, reflected on the airline’s evolution, stating, “Today, we celebrate fastjet’s 10th anniversary, a decade of hard work, dedication, and connections. It has been a journey of growth, resilience, and unforgettable memories.” His words encapsulated the perseverance and adaptability that have defined Fastjet’s operations through changing market dynamics and regional challenges.

The airline’s footprint has expanded well beyond its original routes, establishing a network that now includes Bulawayo, Harare, Victoria Falls, Lusaka, Johannesburg, and Kruger Mpumalanga. This reach has not only benefitted Zimbabwean travellers but has also enhanced intercontinental links for southern Africa, supporting the movement of people, goods, and ideas across borders. The deployment of its reliable Embraer ERJ145 aircraft fleet has enabled Fastjet to maintain high-frequency schedules and adapt quickly to the evolving needs of both leisure and business passengers.

Donahue Cortes, CEO/Country Head of Fastjet Zimbabwe, underscored the airline’s evolution from a mere carrier to a symbol of regional unity: “Throughout the years, our network has grown into something far beyond just a means of transportation. It has transformed into a powerful connection, uniting friends, families, businesses, destinations, and dreams across Zimbabwe and beyond.”

Looking ahead, Fastjet is gearing up for the next decade with strategic investments. Cortes announced the impending arrival of another Embraer ERJ145 to be registered in Zimbabwe, reinforcing the carrier’s dedication to growth and service excellence. “This addition represents more than just capacity – it represents confidence in our market, in our people, and in our collaborative professional relationships with aviation, travel, and tourism stakeholders,” Cortes explained, signaling a bright future for regional connectivity and partnership.

The introduction of a new aircraft is poised to unlock further opportunities for both intra- and inter-regional travel. For Africa’s travel sector, especially those based in sub-Saharan markets, this expansion is a timely development. It offers fresh potential for curated travel packages, improved business linkages, and expanded access to key tourism destinations such as Victoria Falls—a perennial favorite among international and domestic visitors alike.

Fastjet’s decade of service coincides with a broader transformation in African aviation. As air connectivity becomes increasingly central to the continent’s economic growth, carriers like Fastjet are setting benchmarks for operational resilience, customer-centric innovation, and cross-border collaboration. The airline’s decision to invest in fleet expansion reflects both an optimistic outlook for travel demand and a commitment to remaining agile in the face of emerging industry trends.

For travel professionals, Fastjet’s track record provides a compelling case study in sustainable growth. The airline’s focus on strategic route development, regional partnerships, and continuous fleet investment positions it as a key player in supporting both traditional tourism and new travel segments—such as business travel, medical tourism, and diaspora mobility. As more African travelers seek seamless connections between major hubs and secondary cities, Fastjet’s network stands ready to serve an increasingly diverse clientele.

The anniversary also serves as a reminder of the transformative impact that reliable air links have on local economies. By connecting smaller cities like Bulawayo with metropolitan centers such as Johannesburg, Fastjet has helped drive investment, open up new tourism corridors, and facilitate cultural exchange. This, in turn, has spurred job creation within aviation and its allied sectors—hotels, tour operators, ground handlers, and local artisans—contributing to a broader ecosystem of economic opportunity.

Fastjet’s journey over the past ten years is a testament to what can be achieved through vision, partnership, and a relentless focus on customer needs. As the airline welcomes a new aircraft and looks to further expand its network, the message to Africa’s travel sector is clear: the next decade will be defined by deeper integration, innovative service offerings, and the rise of new destinations that reflect the continent’s dynamism and diversity.

For those crafting the future of African travel, Fastjet’s evolution offers both inspiration and practical lessons. The challenge and opportunity now lie in harnessing this momentum to build even stronger connections, ensuring that Africa’s skies remain open, accessible, and ready for the next generation of travelers and businesses alike.