Solenta Aviation Mozambique starts Maputo–Vilanculos flights as Fastjet franchise plans remain uncl
Solenta Aviation Mozambique has launched its first scheduled domestic flights under its own brand, starting 3x weekly Maputo–Vilanculos services from 6 November 2026. The new flights began just as the Mozambique Tourism Summit 2026 opened in Vilanculos, a key tourist destination on the Indian Ocean coast. This marks the airline’s entry into the scheduled domestic market, after previously operating only charter and ad hoc services in Mozambique.
The launch comes amid uncertainty over the airline’s previously announced plans to operate as Fastjet Mozambique through a franchise agreement with the fastjet Group. In February 2026, Fastjet Mozambique said it was preparing to start scheduled flights out of Beira, but no flights have materialised since then. According to ch-aviation, a source close to the project said it is “too early to say” if the Fastjet Mozambique brand will go ahead, leaving the future of the franchise in question.
One key issue is the scheduled licence requirement that any Fastjet Mozambique operation must be based in Beira, not Maputo. This was not part of the original business plan, which had focused on Maputo as the main hub. The new Solenta-branded flights, however, are operating from Maputo to Vilanculos, suggesting the airline has chosen to proceed independently for now. This may affect future route development and the possible launch of Fastjet-branded services in Mozambique.
For the African travel trade, the new Maputo–Vilanculos flights offer a fresh option for leisure travellers, business passengers, groups and tour operators serving Mozambique’s tourism sector. However, there are open questions about the brand, distribution channels, fares and onward connectivity for these flights. Agencies should check directly with Solenta Aviation Mozambique for booking procedures, commission structures and group policies, as no official information has been published. The unresolved status of the Fastjet franchise may also affect future distribution and interline agreements.
Looking ahead, it remains unclear whether Fastjet Mozambique will launch as planned, or if Solenta will continue to expand under its own brand. The licensing requirement for a Beira base may delay or reshape any future franchise operations. Agencies should monitor for updates on route expansion, fare levels and distribution arrangements as the situation develops, especially for clients planning travel to Mozambique’s key tourist destinations.
