384. Fastjet Zimbabwe's 10-year playbook: discipline, fleet simplicity, and the next stage of growth

Fastjet Zimbabwe Business CEO and Country Head Donahue Cortes joins Host Jon Howell to reflect on more than a decade of airline operations in a volatile market.

They discuss how Fastjet Zimbabwe built resilience, why the Embraer 145 became a strategic strength, what the Airbus A320 trial means for the airline's future, and how new partnerships could reshape regional connectivity across Southern Africa.

The conversation also explores business class demand, route development, aviation liberalization, and Donahue's view of leadership as stewardship.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Fastjet Zimbabwe's 10-year story

02:42 - What is the key to surviving and growing in African aviation?

07:43 - How fundamental was the initial single-aircraft strategy?

12:43 - Why did Fastjet Zimbabwe introduce the Airbus A320?

19:39 - Did customers create the demand for business class?

23:28 - Where could Fastjet Zimbabwe expand its network?

29:28 - How will the Etihad interline change network planning?

35:55 - Is aviation liberalization delivering its intended results?