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Cape Town - Kyle Haywood, Fastjet’s general manager for Africa, tells us about his first job as a banker, what he would change in the airline industry, and gives some tips to youngsters wanting to carve out a career in the airline industry.
What is the secret of your success?
I’d probably say perseverance. When I commit to something I don’t give up until I’ve achieved what I set out to do. It’s also really important for me to believe, without a doubt, that the personal and business decisions I make are the right ones.
Did you always want to work in aviation?
Yes, it has always been a dream of mine to work in the travel industry. When I was young, I wanted to see the world, but without spending too much money – so a job in the industry was the logical way to go. Since I entered the aviation sector I was hooked, and today I cannot imagine doing anything else.
Tells us about your schooling/educational background.
I was schooled in the United Kingdom. I hated the sciences but loved languages, so much so that I now speak French, German and Spanish. I also know Latin.
What was your first job?
My very first job was at a bank, which was a terrible mistake and I absolutely hated it. I lasted one year before following my dream to work in the travel industry. My first job in aviation was as a call centre clerk for British Airways.
Why did you take up the position with Fastjet?
I believe that Fastjet’s low-cost airline model is a suitable one for Africa, and we really have the opportunity to break new ground in the aviation industry. While Fastjet is still a relatively small company, my job is in no way desk-bound and no two days are ever the same.
If you could change one thing in the South African aviation industry, what would it be?
It would be the high levels of protectionism and bureaucracy that plague the aviation industry. I have no doubt that South Africa, and the entire continent, would enjoy much more rapid growth if new businesses in all sectors did not have to jump through so many administrative hoops.
Who was the biggest influence on your career and why?
I have particular respect for a gentleman named Alan Burnet, who was my mentor at British Airways. He had a varied, interesting and long career in aviation and taught me so much, while encouraging me to follow my dreams.
What aspects of your work keep you awake at night?
I worry about how Fastjet’s progress has been slowed by bureaucracy and protectionism. However, in spite of these challenges, I do also go to sleep with a sense of satisfaction many nights because of all the great things that Fastjet has achieved in the past year, such as having flown 355 000 passengers within our first year or having launched our first international route from Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg.
Would a fastjet flight from Dar es Salaam to Cape Town work?
This route – which takes about five and a half hours - is too long for the low-cost model. Fastjet has been very specific in our choice of the Airbus A319 aircraft, and a flight of this length would not be the best use of our aircraft.
It makes more sense for us to focus on establishing our route between Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg which launched on October 18, and then partner with other carriers to get our passengers to Cape Town. This would of course be the alternative option until Fastjet establishes a base in South Africa and is able to operate domestic flights.
What do you do in your off-time?
I don’t have much free time at my disposal of late because I’ve been travelling a lot to countries where Fastjet is looking to expand its operations - such as Lusaka, which will be our second international route from Dar es Salaam. However, when I do, I spend as much time with my family as possible. I’m also working hard to improve my French, and I love hiking. My favourite hike to date was one I completed a few years ago, just outside Buenos Aires in Argentina.
What advice do you have for South African youngsters, wanting to carve out a career in aviation?
A career in aviation is certainly interesting and varied, but it is also immensely hard work. It’s a cyclical business that is influenced by many external factors. However, it is loads of fun, and if you’re prepared to be tough and ride the waves, you will have unrivalled opportunities to see the world and meet many different people.
What are the best parts of working for Fastjet?
I love the variety of my job, and the fact that although I have a very specific title, I don’t have a specific job description. This comes from being part of a small team, where everyone is happy to get involved in doing whatever it takes to make Fastjet a success. The entrepreneurship culture of being a start-up business is particularly appealing to me too.
It’s also really rewarding knowing that Fastjet is playing a part in democratising air travel, enabling more people to be able to fly thanks to offering safe, reliable and affordable flights.
Chicken or beef?
Fish.
- Fin24
*Rob Baker is co-owner of South Africa Travel Online. Follow him on twitter on @southafricaTO.
What is the secret of your success?
I’d probably say perseverance. When I commit to something I don’t give up until I’ve achieved what I set out to do. It’s also really important for me to believe, without a doubt, that the personal and business decisions I make are the right ones.
Did you always want to work in aviation?
Yes, it has always been a dream of mine to work in the travel industry. When I was young, I wanted to see the world, but without spending too much money – so a job in the industry was the logical way to go. Since I entered the aviation sector I was hooked, and today I cannot imagine doing anything else.
Tells us about your schooling/educational background.
I was schooled in the United Kingdom. I hated the sciences but loved languages, so much so that I now speak French, German and Spanish. I also know Latin.
What was your first job?
My very first job was at a bank, which was a terrible mistake and I absolutely hated it. I lasted one year before following my dream to work in the travel industry. My first job in aviation was as a call centre clerk for British Airways.
Why did you take up the position with Fastjet?
I believe that Fastjet’s low-cost airline model is a suitable one for Africa, and we really have the opportunity to break new ground in the aviation industry. While Fastjet is still a relatively small company, my job is in no way desk-bound and no two days are ever the same.
If you could change one thing in the South African aviation industry, what would it be?
It would be the high levels of protectionism and bureaucracy that plague the aviation industry. I have no doubt that South Africa, and the entire continent, would enjoy much more rapid growth if new businesses in all sectors did not have to jump through so many administrative hoops.
Who was the biggest influence on your career and why?
I have particular respect for a gentleman named Alan Burnet, who was my mentor at British Airways. He had a varied, interesting and long career in aviation and taught me so much, while encouraging me to follow my dreams.
What aspects of your work keep you awake at night?
I worry about how Fastjet’s progress has been slowed by bureaucracy and protectionism. However, in spite of these challenges, I do also go to sleep with a sense of satisfaction many nights because of all the great things that Fastjet has achieved in the past year, such as having flown 355 000 passengers within our first year or having launched our first international route from Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg.
Would a fastjet flight from Dar es Salaam to Cape Town work?
This route – which takes about five and a half hours - is too long for the low-cost model. Fastjet has been very specific in our choice of the Airbus A319 aircraft, and a flight of this length would not be the best use of our aircraft.
It makes more sense for us to focus on establishing our route between Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg which launched on October 18, and then partner with other carriers to get our passengers to Cape Town. This would of course be the alternative option until Fastjet establishes a base in South Africa and is able to operate domestic flights.
What do you do in your off-time?
I don’t have much free time at my disposal of late because I’ve been travelling a lot to countries where Fastjet is looking to expand its operations - such as Lusaka, which will be our second international route from Dar es Salaam. However, when I do, I spend as much time with my family as possible. I’m also working hard to improve my French, and I love hiking. My favourite hike to date was one I completed a few years ago, just outside Buenos Aires in Argentina.
What advice do you have for South African youngsters, wanting to carve out a career in aviation?
A career in aviation is certainly interesting and varied, but it is also immensely hard work. It’s a cyclical business that is influenced by many external factors. However, it is loads of fun, and if you’re prepared to be tough and ride the waves, you will have unrivalled opportunities to see the world and meet many different people.
What are the best parts of working for Fastjet?
I love the variety of my job, and the fact that although I have a very specific title, I don’t have a specific job description. This comes from being part of a small team, where everyone is happy to get involved in doing whatever it takes to make Fastjet a success. The entrepreneurship culture of being a start-up business is particularly appealing to me too.
It’s also really rewarding knowing that Fastjet is playing a part in democratising air travel, enabling more people to be able to fly thanks to offering safe, reliable and affordable flights.
Chicken or beef?
Fish.
- Fin24
*Rob Baker is co-owner of South Africa Travel Online. Follow him on twitter on @southafricaTO.
