Comair orders new hi-tech B737s

COMAIR has ordered eight
Boeing 737 MAX 8s, making
it the first airline in Africa to
order the new technologically
advanced aircraft.
The aircraft are scheduled
for delivery between 2019
and 2021 and will support
Comair’s future fleet renewal.
The airline currently operates
an all-Boeing fleet of 25
Classic and Next-Generation
B737s on its kulula.com and
British Airways brands.
Scheduled for production
in 2017, the B737 MAX is
the most technologically
advanced 737 variation
designed by Boeing to
date. The aircraft builds on
the efficiency, economics
and reliability of the 737
range and, thanks to new
aerodynamic improvements
such as advanced technology
winglets, has a fuel
performance that is 14%
more efficient than the most
advanced single-aisle aircraft
currently on the market.
It can also carry 12 more
passengers.
The aircraft’s LEAP-1B
engine, designed by CFM,
ensures double-digit fuel
efficiency and allows for eight
percent lower operating costs.
“This R9 billion investment
in Comair’s fleet upgrade is
fundamental to our business
strategy. Our decision to
make this investment was not
taken lightly and is a critical
component in managing our
exposure to the volatile fuel
price and thus minimising the
impact of the fuel price on
airfares,” says Comair ceo,
Erik Venter.