A review of Fastjet flight FN 8508 flying from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls.
I flew from Johannesburg to the iconic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, with Zimbabwe’s delightful value carrier, Fastjet.
FASTJET FLIGHT TO VICTORIA FALLS
Taking a morning flight on 6 December, I decided to check in online and get a digital boarding pass the day before.
This was to prevent any unforeseen delays or challenges in the morning.
The flight was scheduled to depart OR Tambo International Airport at 09.45.
JOHANNESBURG AIRPORT
I arrived at Terminal A, counters 59 to 61 to drop off my baggage.
Check-in staff were courteous and efficient.
When dropping off my checked bag, I was issued with a printed boarding pass and advised to make my way to security and immigration.
SECURITY AND IMMIGRATION
Security was seamless and despite the number of passengers, screening took place quickly.
However, immigration at OR Tambo International Airport leaves much to be desired.
There were only 4 officers on duty. Lines were snaking up to each of the desks where officers were chatting and laughing loudly between themselves, while queues moved ever so slowly and uncontrollably.
DEPARTURE GATE
I made my way to departure gate A 24, which is below the terminal, at ground level.
This is where most flights to neighbouring states depart from.
I sat for only a few minutes before departure was announced at 09.05.
Passengers were asked to proceed to the bus that took us to the aircraft.
BOARDING PROCESSES
After a quick drive across the apron, Fastjet’s Embraer ERJ 145 (registration Z-FJF) was in view.
Boarding took place through the aircraft’s front door.
The single-aisle aircraft offers an all-economy class cabin, configured with a 1 – 2 seating arrangement.
After all passengers had entered the aircraft, the door was closed and inflight announcements were made.
I was seated in 4C, a window seat on the starboard side of the aircraft.
The comfortable leather seat offered plenty of leg space.
Despite being a smaller regional jet, the cabin felt light and spacious.
CREW ANNOUNCEMENTS
The 50-seater aircraft had one crew member in the cabin and two in the cockpit.
The first officer announced that some turbulence could be expected toward the end of the flight and that the aircraft would cruise at an altitude of 36 000 feet.
For safety reasons, passengers were advised to keep seatbelts fastened for the duration of the flight.
Due to local health and safety regulations the cabin had to be sprayed (disinfected) before departure.
DEPARTURE
The aircraft pushed back at 09.35 and taxied to runway 21R 03L.
Despite hot temperatures in Johannesburg (35 degrees centigrade), take-off was smooth and without delay.
By 09.46 the aircraft was hurtling down the runway and within minutes Johannesburg could be viewed from the air.
INFLIGHT SERVICE
After the seatbelt light was turned off (at 09.51) cabin service began.
A snack box containing a chocolate bar, fruit juice and a packet of protein chips was on offer.
In addition, each passenger was offered a chicken-mayo sandwich with a bottle of water.
After these were served a hot beverage service began. Tea and coffee were available.
In fact, inflight catering is available free of charge to all passengers.
The cabin attendant, Shannah, was friendly, chatty and service-oriented – providing an excellent inflight experience.
SUSTAINABILITY AT FASTJET
Fastjet clearly keeps an eye on sustainability, with regards to the weight and packaging of products served.
Inflight catering was also provided without any glassware or silverware.
This helps to make aircraft lighter and thus makes it burn less fuel.
The snack box was produced from cardboard.
Hot beverages were served in cups made from recycled cardboard.
Single-use plastic (clingwrap) was also not in use.
Furthermore, Fastjet encourages customers to upscale their snack boxes.
The top of the box can be up-cycled and used as a bookmark.
ALSO READ: Fastjet secures IOSA registration
FASTJET FLIGHT
After a pleasant and uneventful Fastjet flight, the aircraft began its descent into Victoria Falls.
The expected turbulence was so mild that it could almost have gone unnoticed.
The aircraft landed at 11.10, having taken only one hour and twenty-five minutes in flying time.
LANDING IN VICTORIA FALLS
The aircraft landed smoothly, providing some views of the arid terrain below. There has not been much rainfall in the area in recent times.
After coming to a stop, the aircraft stairs were let down and passengers were allowed to disembark, row by row.
Passengers then walked from the aircraft into the terminal building.
Immigration was quick since there were just 27 passengers to process from this Fastjet flight.
Baggage was delivered speedily and customs formalities were equally efficient.
FASTJET FLIGHT REVIEW
In conclusion, this Fastjet flight was very pleasant.
The efficient passenger handling, comfortable seating and superior inflight services leave customers with something to remember.
I hope this Fastjet flight review inspires others to travel with Zimbabwe’s privately-owned airline.
Even celebrity entrepreneur Richard Branson has flown with Fastjet – when travelling to Harare last year.
If it is great for Sir Richard Branson, it is indeed good enough for most of us!
FASTJET ROUTES
The regional airline has expanded its presence in Zimbabwe and South Africa over the last year, offering reliable internal services between Zimbabwe’s main cities (Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls).
Fastjet also flies from Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls to Johannesburg.
In addition, it operates flights between Victoria Falls and Nelspruit Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in South Africa.
