update (15 October 2025): Although both the Mozambican government and Solenta Aviation Mozambique / Fastjet Mozambique confirm the process is active and technically complete, final governmental approval remains pending as of mid-October 2025, with operational launch plans still on hold.
update (08 October 2025): As of early October 2025, Solenta Aviation Mozambique / Fastjet Mozambique is still awaiting its operating license. The Mozambican government says it's following normal process and nearing the end. Solenta/Fastjet Mozambique feels the delays are abnormal, and there are signs some plans may be scaled back or reallocated if the license doesn’t come through soon. Well keep you updated!
The Government of Mozambique has rejected claims that it is deliberately blocking the licensing of Fastjet Mozambique, despite the airline waiting since May 2025 for final approval. According to industry specialists at ch-aviation and state news agency Agência de Informação de Moçambique (AIM), the certification process is technically moving forward but remains unfinished more than three months after initial clearances.
Government spokesman Inocêncio Impissa confirmed on 22 August 2025 that Solenta Aviation Mozambique - the locally owned airline set to operate Fastjet Mozambique under a franchise deal with the Fastjet Group - is still undergoing the phased Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) process. Authorities have already assessed the company’s financial strength, maintenance procedures, and staff qualifications, while the final step will determine if operations comply with Mozambique’s national aviation policies. No timeline for completion has been provided.
In May 2025, Solenta Aviation Mozambique’s business plan and AOC were approved by the Mozambican Civil Aviation Institute (IACM), which was seen as a breakthrough for the planned return of Fastjet-branded scheduled flights in Mozambique. Since then, however, the airline has been left waiting for the final green light, despite having already taken delivery of two Embraer E145 regional jets, hired crew and staff, secured supplier contracts, and fulfilled all regulatory and financial obligations.
The extended delay has raised concerns about Mozambique’s aviation licensing process and its impact on competition in the domestic market. Once approved, Fastjet Mozambique aims to operate domestic routes, offering travelers more choice and improving air connectivity across the country.
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