New airline comes to life in Tanzania

It was learned this afternoon that Kenya’s Fly SAX will, subject to regulatory approvals by the Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority, launch flight operations in Tanzania after forming SAX – Tanzania, probably in the second half of the year.

Fly SAX also announced in Nairobi yesterday that Mr. Brown Francis will head the new airline based in Dar es Salaam, who, after previously working at FastJet, Precision Air and Fly 540 (T), has now returned to the fold.

While no immediate feedback could be obtained from FastJet over the implications of the move, both the appointment of Brown Francis as well as the launch of the new airline by their supposed partner, Mr. Don Smith had this to say: “We are launching a new airline to meet the ever-increasing demand for low-cost, efficient and safe air travel within Tanzania from the country’s own citizens as well as international tourists visiting the country. I am delighted to be working again with Brown Francis. Having previously headed up Fly540’s and FastJet’s operations in Tanzania, he brings a wealth of experience and local knowledge to SAX-Tanzania. I look forward to him making it a great success.”

Mr. Brown Francis is a veteran of the Tanzanian airline industry with over 25 years’ experience. He joins the new airline SAX – Tanzania from FastJet, where he held the position of Director for Industry Affairs for Tanzania since late 2012. Prior to that was Mr. Brown Francis General Manager of Fly540 (T), where he worked closely with Don Smith between 2009 and 2012. Additionally Mr. Brown Francis previously worked as Operations Manager for Regional Air in Arusha for 12 years.

Brown Francis, General Manager of Fly-SAX Tanzania, added to Don Smith’s introduction when he said: “We are very excited about this new start in Tanzania, which builds on the strength of our previous Fly540 operations in the country. Tanzania is home to three of Africa’s natural wonders and is rapidly becoming the holiday destination of choice for international visitors as well as domestic holidaymakers. We believe that we have the right model in place to grow this airline to best serve our passengers within Tanzania.”