HARARE, Jul. 28 (NewsDay Live) – Fastjet Zimbabwe will introduce its first-ever Business Premium cabin this year as it trials a larger Airbus A320-200 aircraft on its busiest regional routes, testing demand for an upgraded travel experience ahead of a possible fleet expansion in 2027.
The airline said the Business Premium product will be available on flights between Harare and Johannesburg, and Victoria Falls and Johannesburg, during the deployment of the leased A320-200 between August and September, when regional travel demand is at its highest.
The premium cabin features 12 extra-wide seats at the front of the aircraft and includes lounge access, curated meals with full bar service on selected flights, and a combined baggage allowance of 46 kilograms.
The Airbus A320-200, leased from AerCap and operated by Global, is the largest aircraft Fastjet Zimbabwe has flown. Configured with 168 seats — 156 in economy and 12 in Business Premium — it significantly increases capacity compared with the Embraer regional jets that currently make up the airline’s fleet.
The aircraft entered service on Aug. 1 under the short-term lease. The 21-year-old jet was originally delivered to Kingfisher Airlines in 2005 and most recently operated for Pan Pacific Airlines before joining Global’s fleet.
Fastjet Zimbabwe Business Chief Executive and Country Head Donahue Cortes said the trial would help the airline assess customer appetite for both the larger aircraft and the new premium service.
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“The introduction of a Business Premium product is part of our continued efforts to deliver customer needs and better serve our market,” Cortes said.
“As we trial this aircraft type during this peak travel period, we are evaluating the response to our Business Premium product on these busy regional routes as we explore permanently introducing this aircraft type to our fleet in 2027.”
Chief Commercial Officer Vivian Ruwuya said the airline had designed the new cabin to appeal to business travellers, premium leisure passengers and customers seeking greater comfort.
“Our Business Premium product will raise the bar and redefine business travel on these routes,” Ruwuya said.
“We have curated a business class offering designed for the ultimate comfort and care for our premium guests travelling between Harare and Johannesburg, and Victoria Falls and Johannesburg. We are confident the product will resonate with business travellers, leisure guests seeking a premium experience, and customers who value greater comfort and personalised service.”
Fastjet first announced plans to lease the A320-200 on July 16, saying the aircraft would allow it to meet strong seasonal demand during one of Southern Africa’s busiest travel periods. The airline has indicated that, if the trial is successful, the A320 could join its fleet permanently in 2027 to support regional growth and expanded connectivity.