Comair, which operates domestic routes as a British Airways franchisee and as a low-cost carrier under its own kulula.com brand, said on February 27 it had taken delivery of the first of eight Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes.

On Monday executive director of Comair's Airline Division Wrenelle Stander said the airline was in close contact with both Boeing and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

"Our highly trained and experienced flight crew and engineers remain vigilant. If we receive information that requires us to reassess the situation, please be assured we will take appropriate action in the interests of the safety of our staff and customers," Stander said in a statement.

"Safety remains our foremost priority and we will not compromise on the safety of our crew and our customers," she said, however urging caution against speculating on the causes of the Ethiopian Airlines mishap which killed all 157 people on board and the Lion Air accident which took 189 lives.

The 737 MAX 8 is one of the most commonly used aircraft in many airlines today and by November 2018, 330 737 MAX 8 aircraft were in operation globally, Comair noted.

African News Agency (ANA)