South African carrier Comair has tentatively signed for eight Boeing 737-800 aircraft, although funding has yet to be finalised.

The aircraft will be delivered over the 2012-15 period.

Comair's British Airways franchise operation and its low-cost division Kulula together have a fleet of around 20 Boeing 737-300/400s.

The carrier had been considering the Airbus A320 as an alternative for modernisation.

But it says it has "recently signed a purchase agreement" for eight 737-800s, which will be in addition to two of the type newly acquired on operating lease for Kulula.

"The new fleet will deliver significant improvements in operating efficiency, passenger comfort and environmental impact," says Comair but adds that the agreement is still subject to certain financing arrangements.

Kulula 737-400
 © Serge Bailleul/AirTeamImages.com
Comair's British Airways franchise operation and its low-cost division Kulula have a fleet of around 20 Boeing 737-300/400s.

"Effective financing mechanisms are currently under consideration," it says.

Comair has just released half-year financial results to 31 December, disclosing that it posted a profit from operations of R54 million on revenues of R1.6 billion.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news