Fastjet launches flights from Dar es Salaam to Mbeya (Songwe).

Fastjet's A319, 5H-FJC receiving water cannon salute at Songwe.

In Tanzania today, another milestone for Fastjet has been marked by the launch of the Mbeya (Songwe) route from Dar es salaam.

The maiden flight FN121 took off on sched from Dar es Salaam's Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) at 0615 EAT for an approximate 1 hour and 20 minutes flight to Songwe International Airport (HTGW) .

The Fastjet airbus A319 5H-FJC landed at Songwe (HTGW) on schedule at 0735 EAT where it was greeted by the water cannon salute from the airport's fire trucks to mark the occasion. 

The return leg of this first flight between Dar es Salaam and Mbeya was completed at 0945 EAT when fastjet FN122 touched down at Julius Nyerere International Airport. 

The Crew of  the first Fastjet's flight FN121 to Songwe, Mbeya.

Fastjet's Mbeya route is the fourth domestic out of Dar after MWZ, JRO and ZNZ.

Flights between Dar es Salaam and Mbeya will be 3 times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays)

  
The launching of Fastjet's flights to Mbeya brings in more competition into this route as Precision Air and Tropical Air already flies between Dar es Salaam and Mbeya. 

 
Air Tanzania (ATCL) is also set to start flights to Mbeya soon.

Fastjet's fleet includes 3 leased Airbus A319s up to now, though the plan was to have 5 A319's by June 2013, and 15 by December 2013. The three planes are registered in Tanzania as 5H-FJA, 5H-FJB and 5H-FJC.