FJET.L Share News (FJET)

Africa budget carrier fastjet saw passenger numbers rise by nearly a third during the month of August as it started ticket sales for its Tanzanian domestic route and its first international route from Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg.Combined, the fastjet and fly540 operations carried a total of 78,500 passengers in August, up 30.2% from August in 2012.fastjet's Tanzanian operation carried over 33,000 passengers, the highest monthly total of passengers since fastjet started flights in November 2012, the group explained. The figure represents a 5.8% increase on the previous month, and a load factor of 84%.Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Ed Winter said: "As reported earlier this month, we have seen a continued growth in passenger sales revenue in Tanzania. The strong load factor and revenue in excess of $2.7m exceeded expectations for the month."August saw the launch of ticket sales for our Tanzanian domestic route to the newly refurbished Songwe Airport in Mbeya. Tickets have also been on sale on our first international route from Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg, with the first flight due to take place on September 27th."CJ