Comair Limited operated Kulula Airlines completed its fleet renewal with the delivery of two brand new Boeings at the end of 2015. Originally ordered in 2009 as part of the airline's R2.5 billion investment in its fleet upgrade, the additions of the new Next Generation Boeing 737-800s is set to further boost Kulula's appeal in the marketplace.
This brings their number of Next Generation Boeing 737-800s up to six, since Kulula Airlines took delivery of four Boeings in 2014. It also gives Kulula, a leading low cost carrier in South Africa, the youngest fleet in the country, with an average age of 11 years. These new planes are also among the most efficient aircraft available on the global market, according to Kulula, which makes it even cheaper to operate. What's more, it is also kinder on the environment than older planes, as it consumes less fuel.
Greener Option Saves South African Pockets Money
The Boeing 737-800s use 18% less fuel per seat than the aircraft these planes are replacing. This saves two million litres of fuel per aircraft, per year, for the equivalent total seats. Since it is not only cheaper to operate, but brings in actual savings, the airline is able to keep its prices greatly competitive.
The decision to purchase these economical planes also puts Kulula in a better position to manage the world's volatile fuel price. Since its launch in 2001, Kulula has grown leaps and bounds. At its inception, Kulula started with one leased aircraft, and one route, with a handful of passengers. By the end of 2015, Kulula operated ten aircrafts in total, ferrying 2.8million passengers on over 14 routes, across the vast Southern African region.
Excited About The Future
Kulula remains excited about the future, and the impact that their new fleet will have on passenger and investor confidence. These planes are set to provide Kulula with the support needed to deliver the great value and excellent service their customers have become familiar with.
Further supporting the airline's fleet renewal strategy is its cutting edge technology investment of Split Scimitar Winglets (SSW) to all its new planes. This contributes to a further reduction of 1.4% per aircraft, an increase in efficiency and a reduction in carbon emissions. This is set to result in an average cost saving of R1.3 million per aircraft per annum. These are only a few of the many great benefits and advantages that Kulula's renewal strategy is set to hold in for South Africans, the airline and the environment.
Nguyen An Tra My
Martin Wynn
