Comair no longer flies. It stopped in 2022. Read its story
Quick verdict
Ethiopian Airlines clearly caters to passengers seeking extensive international connectivity and a consistent full-service experience across a wide African network. Its investment in a modern fleet and its role as a major intercontinental hub make it ideal for business travelers and those on longer journeys. Comair, in its operational years, served a distinct purpose in the South African market. Its British Airways brand offered a reliable, premium domestic and regional option for travelers valuing traditional full-service amenities, while kulula.com provided an accessible, no-frills alternative. Passengers prioritizing specific domestic or regional South African routes with varying budget and service needs would have found Comair’s dual offering highly suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two, when Comair was operational, came down to travel needs: global reach and comprehensive service with Ethiopian, or tailored domestic and regional options within Southern Africa via Comair’s distinct brands.
At a glance
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Ethiopian Airlines, based in Addis Ababa, is a dominant force in African aviation, offering an extensive network across the continent and to global destinations. It is known for its rapid expansion and modern fleet. Comair, a South African airline operator, historically flew under the British Airways livery for full-service domestic and regional routes, and as kulula.com for the low-cost market. This comparison will focus on the distinct service propositions each airline offered, particularly in their respective prime markets before Comair’s recent liquidation. We will examine what each airline prioritized—global reach and a comprehensive pan-African strategy versus localized, dual-brand service catering to different segments of the South African market—and how these strategies shaped the passenger experience.
About Ethiopian Airlines Read more
Overview
Ethiopian Airlines is the flag carrier of Ethiopia. According to Wikipedia, it was founded on 21 December 1945 and began operations on 8 April 1946. It is owned by the Government of Ethiopia (Wikidata), is based at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, and is a member of Star Alliance. Its frequent-flyer programme is ShebaMiles.
Network and hubs
The main hub is Addis Ababa Bole. Wikipedia lists secondary hubs at Lomé, Lusaka and Lilongwe, plus Liège for cargo. The airline serves a network of 155 passenger destinations, 22 of them domestic, and 68 freighter destinations. It holds stakes in several African carriers, including ASKY Airlines, Air Congo, Malawi Airlines and Zambia Airways.
Fleet
Ethiopian is Africa's largest airline by fleet. Nairametrics, using Planespotters data, counted 162 aircraft in July 2026. The Wikipedia fleet page (as of November 2025) lists these types:
- Airbus A350-900 (and A350-1000)
- Boeing 787-8 and 787-9
- Boeing 777
- Boeing 737 (including MAX)
- Bombardier Q400
- Boeing 767 (freighter)
Boeing announced on 20 April 2026 that six more 787s had been ordered as firm orders. In mid-May 2026, reports said the airline was in early talks for more A350s and about twenty A220s. These are reports, not confirmed orders. Its Vision 2035 plan aims for 271 aircraft by 2035.
On board
Long-haul aircraft have Business class, branded Cloud Nine, and Economy. On the A350-900, seatmaps.com reports personal entertainment screens with USB charging and a seat pitch of about 31-32 inches in Business. Meal, Wi-Fi and Economy seat details vary by aircraft and route and were not confirmed from an official source.
Good to know
- Baggage: the official baggage page gives a 23 kg limit per checked bag. Economy cabin baggage is one piece of up to 7 kg (official carry-on page). The number of free checked bags depends on route and fare, so check when booking.
- Lounges: Business class passengers can use the Cloud Nine Lounge in Terminal 2 at Addis Ababa and Star Alliance partner lounges (Going).
- Loyalty: ShebaMiles; Star Alliance status benefits apply.
- Fees and punctuality: no published change-fee or on-time figures were verified.
About Comair Read more
Global Network and Operations
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Comair Limited is a South African airline renowned for its extensive regional network and its role as the operator of British Airways' franchise within southern Africa. Its fleet primarily consists of Bombardier CRJ700 and CRJ900 regional jets, servicing more than 20 destinations domestically and to neighboring countries. Key subsidiaries and partnerships enhance its market reach:
- Operates as British Airways Comair, managing both domestic and selected international routes.
- Offers scheduled passenger services with a focus on quality and reliability.
- Part of the broader British Airways network, integrating global connectivity through codeshare agreements.
- Headquartered in Durban, South Africa, serving as a pivotal hub for southern African air traffic.
Innovation and Milestones
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As a leader in regional air travel within Africa, Comair has achieved several notable milestones:
- First regional airline in Africa to operate the Bombardier CRJ series jets, enhancing passenger comfort and efficiency.
- Pioneered the seamless integration of regional services with an international premium brand through its British Airways franchise.
- Implemented advanced reservation and ticketing systems early among African regional carriers.
- Consistently updated its fleet and operations to meet stringent safety and environmental standards.
Customer Experience and Recognition
Comair provides a customer-focused travel experience across its cabin classes, which include Economy and Business Class configurations catering to both regional business travelers and leisure passengers. Renowned for its commitment to quality, Comair has earned positive recognition in on-time performance and customer service within the African regional market. Amenities typically feature in-flight entertainment via personal devices, complimentary meals on longer sectors, and generous baggage allowances aligned with international standards.
Future Outlook
Comair aims to strengthen its position in the African aviation market by expanding its route network, modernizing its fleet with newer regional aircraft, and enhancing passenger experience through digital innovations. Its strategic focus includes deepening ties with British Airways and exploring growth opportunities in underserved southern African markets while maintaining rigorous safety and operational standards.
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