As fastjet finalises discussions with Solenta Aviation over a planned franchise operation in Mozambique, the airline is looking at expanding its franchise model into West Africa.
Speaking to Travel News, fastjet Strategy Director Julian Edmunds said the carrier was assessing opportunities in Gabon and Côte d'Ivoire through its partnership with Solenta Aviation, which already has air operating certificates in both countries.
“It currently operates freighters on contract as part of DHL’s network,” said Edmunds, noting that the potential fastjet franchise would mark Solenta’s first passenger operations in the region.
“We will do an initial appraisal on Solenta’s behalf to determine whether there are opportunities for it to take the fastjet franchise to Gabon or Ivory Coast,” said Edmunds.
The assessment will examine market demand, regulatory environments, competing airlines, existing route networks and aircraft types, using industry market data to determine whether introducing passenger services is commercially viable.
West Africa’s high fees
One of the considerations will be the cost of operating in West Africa, which is known for some of the continent’s highest aviation taxes and airport charges.
In 2025, an African Airlines Association Taxes and Charges Study Review found that Western African countries charged the most expensive taxes, charges and fees for international departures on the continent, with levies averaging US$109,50 (R1 805) per passenger in 2024.
According to Edmunds, fastjet will consider the benefits, strengths and weaknesses of each jurisdiction.
“As long as there's a level playing field and we are paying the same landing fees, for example, as the national carrier of that country, then it’s worth exploring. But if we are having to pay double the landing fees because we are a foreign carrier, this may not work,” said Edmunds.
“This will be part of the assessment we make to see how much genuine competition there is in that sort of scenario.”
Edmunds noted that the project was still in its early research phase and would only potentially materialise in the next 18 months.
Franchise model grows
The West African plans build on fastjet's franchise model, under which the airline provides specialist airline management and commercial services to smaller operators.
"We have a central franchise service unit that provides specific skill sets to small airline operators," said Edmunds.
These services include network planning, revenue management, data analytics, reservation systems and distribution.
Fastjet already provides these services to fastjet Zimbabwe and Federal Airlines.
“Solenta Aviation in Mozambique has approached us to provide a similar role to them for a small roll-out in Mozambique,” Edumunds said, referring to Solenta Aviation Mozambique’s plans to launch domestic flights from Beira, which are expected to begin later this year.
“There are still a couple of regulatory hurdles that Solenta needs to cross. It still must see some board approvals and regulatory approvals.”
Solenta’s Mozambique flights were scheduled to launch last year but government reviews and reforms have delayed the issuance of its scheduled operator’s licence, Travel News reported.
