‘Zim crucial market in Fastjet operations’
BUDGET airline, Fastjet, says Zimbabwe is a crucial market in its operations hence the decision to open a customer service centre in Harare. Fastjet Chief Executive Officer Mr Nico Bezuidenhout said the move confirms their commitment to the local market where the airline has moved 125 000 passengers since launching its operations less than two years ago.
The new customer service centre is situated in Belgravia, Harare. “Zimbabwe is a very important market for us and as we grow we are making it as easy as possible for our passengers. We have opened a customer service centre at the corner of Philips Avenue and Sam Nujoma, so our customers can access friendly, personal and efficient service as and when they need it,” he said.
“Since launching, the airline has flown more than 125 000 passengers on 1 678 flights over more than 1.3 million kilometres - with an impressive 94 percent on-time performance and establishing itself as a punctual, reliable and affordable low-cost carrier. We are very proud and appreciative of the welcome that we have received in Zimbabwe, a very important market for us.”
The airliner operates 32 flights per week between Harare, Johannesburg and Victoria Falls as well as outside Zimbabwe in Zambia and Tanzania. The Victoria Falls-Johannesburg route was stopped recently. “The customer service centre is testimony of growing success as a low-cost Zimbabwean airline and vision of helping to stimulate the local economy and boost tourism,” said Mr Bezuidenhout.
He said their office was manned by consultants who deal with all service related issues such as issuing tickets, handling bookings, changing as well as on-demand service offerings like freight or preferential seat bookings and has embraced plastic money systems.
Fastjet was awarded the African Low Cost Airline of the Year Award at the World Travel Awards in November last year.
Mr Bezuidenhout said the airliner’s most important achievement has been to make air travel more affordable and more accessible to more people on the African continent, particularly important markets such as Zimbabwe. — @ ncubeleon