The granting of the AOC will allow the company to create fastjet Zimbabwe, which will operate both domestic flights and international flights from Zimbabwe.

The new subsidiary’s first route will be between Harare and Victoria Falls. It will initially operate three times per week, although fastjet did not announce a starting date for the service.

Fastjet chief executive Ed Winter said: “Adding a second fastjet airline to our network is an incredibly significant milestone on our path to becoming the most successful pan-African low cost airline.
 
“We recognised the real potential in Zimbabwe some time ago and have been working hard together with the relevant authorities towards this momentous day. With their support we are now in a position to launch our Zimbabwean operation.”

Fastjet was set up in 2012, with the help of easyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, when it started flight operations in Tanzania.
 
“In Tanzania we have become the airline of choice, with an enviable operational reputation and market leading fares. I am confident that, with our proven low-cost model, we can replicate this success in Zimbabwe,” added Winter.