Comair chief executive, Erik Venter, said the new aircraft was part of the airline’s ongoing fleet upgrade strategy, an important step towards operating the most modern and efficient fleet within southern Africa.

Comair had signed a code-sharing agreement with Qatar Airways to increase the latter’s route map in Africa.

“This also coincides with two major developments for our airline: the commencement of scheduled flights to the Atlantic Ocean island of Saint Helena, and a new code-share agreement between Comair and Qatar Airways that will add five new African destinations to Qatar Airways route map,” Venter said.

Venter said the new jet would operate domestically throughout the week, and fly to Saint Helena every Saturday.

Comair already operates British Airways in sub-Saharan Africa. Though it’s not commercially profitable and is subsidised by the British government, Comair said the Saint Helena route will allow its customers access to diverse business and leisure destinations in the region.

The new 160-passenger aircraft would be fitted with split scimitar winglets, vertical wingtip extensions that reduce drag and provide lift, cutting fuel consumption and lowering the aircraft’s carbon footprint.

Venter added that this acquisition was a strong indicator of Comair’s confidence in leisure and business travel.

ANA