Fastjet : Zimbabwe statement regarding FN8332 on 08/12/2019 - 12 Dec 2019

FROM: FASTJET ZIMBABWE | CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: 12 DECEMBER 2019 | HARARE, ZIMBABWE | 11:00
RE: RESPONSE TO MEDIA REGARDING FASTJET FLIGHT ABORTING TAKE-OFF

Harare, Zimbabwe - fastjet Zimbabwe has today released a response to the recently circulated media statement regarding an aborted takeoff on flight FN8332 on 08 December 2019.

The airline would like to factually clarify the events regarding flight FN8332 operating from Johannesburg to Harare.

On 08 December 2019 the flight was scheduled to operate during a period where Johannesburg was experiencing poor weather conditions. These adverse weather conditions on the day were resulting in aircraft departures having to wait longer than usual for their takeoff clearances.

Following the receipt of departure clearance, a minor technical defect occurred, not related to fuel, and this resulted in a precautionary decision by the crew to discontinue the take off procedure.

The aircraft was then required to rejoin a queue where a higher number of aircraft were now waiting for their take off clearances. Having evaluated the situation and the anticipated ongoing and lengthy waiting time, the crew made a decision to return to their parking bay to top up with fuel.

In poor weather conditions the number of aircraft in line waiting for departure is often higher than normal and results in a longer ground taxi time and fuel burn. The decision by the crew to top up the fuel, to enhance operating and safety requirements due to the weather conditions, was fully in accordance with normal safety, operational and regulatory standards.

At no time was the flight scheduled for take-off without adequate fuel. All actions taken by the crew were in line with operating procedures and the safety of the passengers was not compromised.

Fastjet apologised to all affected passengers whilst they awaited the refuelling of the aircraft. The flight continued to its destination as planned.

ABOUT FASTJET

fastjet is a multi-award-winning African value airline that began flight operations in 2012. Its awards include, Leading African Low-Cost Carrier World Travel Awards 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, and Skytrax World Airline Awards Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa 2017. Today, fastjet connects Zimbabwe by flying between Harare and Victoria Falls, Harare and Bulawayo. It also offers flights from Harare and Bulawayo to Johannesburg in South Africa. Since commencing operations fastjet has flown over 3.5 million passengers and has established itself as a punctual, reliable, and affordable low-cost carrier, with value added services inclusive of free baggage allowance(s), airport lounge access, dedicated check-in and more according to the new fare attributes introduced across their network.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
FASTJET PLC
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