LAM and Fastjet sign memorandum of understanding

LAM and Fastjet sign memorandum of understanding to explore wide-ranging commercial cooperation

LAM and Fastjet yesterday entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to explore long-term commercial cooperation. The Memorandum was signed at the LAM headquarters in Maputo. The intent of the memorandum includes wide-ranging areas of cooperation expected to significantly enhance commercial aviation in the country.

The memorandum covers code-share and interline agreements between the two carriers, optimized network synergies to accommodate same as well as cooperation on other commercial systems, cargo, engineering and maintenance. LAM chief executive Antonio Pinto commented that the “areas of cooperation will not only further strengthen Mozambique’s flag carrier as a regional air-services provider but contribute significantly to initiatives that promote tourism, economic development and trade.”

“This is an exciting and industry-leading public-private partnership initiative,” adds Pinto. “It not only supports Mozambique’s greater economic growth objectives in terms of the efficient and affordable movement of people and goods, but also the notion of a longer-term Whole of State Aviation strategy.” Mozambique is a signatory to the Yamoussoukro Decision and one of the early nation-adopters on the Continent.

“The approach to commercial cooperation is the first of its kind on the African continent,” says Fastjet Chief Executive Nico Bezuidenhout.

“There is significant opportunity in stimulating not only commercial aviation but also up and downstream economic growth through key cooperative initiatives. Fastjet is committed to exploring and leveraging the agreement to the best-benefit of both companies and, ultimately the people of Mozambique.” The African Development Bank recently reported on a high medium-term growth forecast for Mozambique.

“This memorandum of understanding lays the foundation for full economic leverage of a very bright future and fulfilment of the Government of Mozambique’s Whole of State aviation objectives.”