fastjet (LON:FJET) has recruited an experienced airline executive to spearhead its expansion in East Africa.

Jimmy Kibati will become fastjet’s general manager, East Africa, on March 17 this year.

He has over two decades’ experience in the commercial airline business, having joined Kenya Airways in 1992, where he progressed through various senior commercial positions, including head of network planning & airline strategy.

In January last year, he was appointed acting commercial director of Kenya Airways, where he oversaw the restructuring of the airline’s commercial department and drove the execution of the company’s commercial and planning strategies, including plans for the B787 Dreamliner and B777-300 fleet’s entry into service and new growth plans into Asia and Africa.

Ed Winter, interim chairman and CEO, said: "I am absolutely delighted that we have recruited such a high calibre airline executive to spearhead fastjet’s expansion in East Africa. Jimmy’s vast experience in the East African aviation market will be invaluable as we fulfil our goal of becoming a truly pan-African low cost airline.

“Jimmy’s appointment underlines the confidence which fastjet’s track record has generated within the industry.”