Comair: 737-200s out, 800s in

Comair has bid farewell to its fleet of Boeing 737-200 aircraft that was instrumental in the company launching into the mainstream airline business 15 years ago. The Boeing 737-200 fleet, which flew across the kulula.com and British Airways liveries, were gradually phased out of operation with the last planes taking their final flights in December 2010.

During their service with Comair the Boeing 737-200 planes together clocked more than 200 000 flying hours and have carried over 15 million passengers, getting customers safely to their destinations. The company operated 12 Boeing 200s with the first taking flight in October 1995.

As an ever-evolving brand committed to sustainability, Comair has made a substantial investment with the purchase of eight new Boeing 737-800 aircraft. An additional three 800s are currently on lease. The new aircraft are more technologically advanced, require lower maintenance and are more eco-friendly as they emit fewer carbon emissions. The aircraft are also economically more efficient, consuming more than 40% less fuel per passenger. Comair additionally operates nine Boeing 737-300 and 10 Boeing 737-400 as part of its fleet.

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Gidon Novick, joint CEO of Comair says "We've reached a new and exciting stage in the life of Comair, and we are pleased to welcome the new additions to our fleet, which sees us keeping abreast of technological advances while ensuring the ongoing comfort and safety of our customers. Our company has really come full circle from when we started operations with turbo aircraft, then moving to MD82's and onto 737-200's"

Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to safety, kulula.com is claimed to be the only independent, low-fare South African airline accredited with IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certification. The IOSA programme is the airline industry's first globally accepted audit programme, which enforces airline operational safety.

Phasing in of the new aircraft commenced in 2010, with the gradual induction of the additional new planes planned over the next four years. "Our retired Boeing 737-200 fleet has really serviced the company well over the years with many happy customers enjoying their flying experience on these aircraft," concludes Novick.