Comair may hold on to older 737s ahead of a new South African competitor

Comair stated (27-Nov-2012) it may keep its Boeing 737-300 and 737-400 aircraft to retain capacity in anticipation of a new competitor entering the South African domestic market, replacing failed LCC 1time which was placed in liquidation on 02-Nov-2012. Comair's LCC subsidiary Kulula took delivery of its first of three new 737-800s in Jul-2012. All three 737-800s are expected to be in service with Kulula by the end of 2012. Comair executive manager, route development, Bert Van Der Linden told CAPA on the sidelines of the African Airlines Association AGA in Johannesburg on 18-Nov-2012 to 20-Nov-2012 the airline may keep the older aircraft to better compete with planned start-up Skywise which plans to launch domestic services in Q12013. Mr Van Der Linden believed Tanzania-based Fastjet, which launches on 29-Nov-2012, could also target South Africa. [more - CAPA Analysis]