Air Africa South Africa - Boeing 737-300

Aircraft Boeing 737-3RI
Registration ZS-AEA
Name Ukuziqhenya (Pride)
History
Entered service with Britannic Airways (G-BEYD) 4 Jun 93
Sold to Air Africa South Africa (ZS-AEA) 14 Nov 08
Went to Air Africa Zimbabwe (Z-AEA) 22 Jan 15

Air Africa was initially announced in June 2008 as a brand new low-cost airline that was to be launched in South Africa, by entrepreneur Jake Dumeni. The name 'Air Africa' was chosen as its main aim was to provide cheap fares for all to see the wonders of Africa. Three aircraft, two Boeing 737-300s and a Boeing 737-400, were added to the fleet in November, and the airline launched on 12 December 2008, to a huge celebration. The first flight, 3A 100 between Johannesburg-OR Tambo and Cape Town, was operated by ZS-AEA, the aircraft shown above. To distance itself from other African low-cost airlines (but not, it seems, from a certain American one), Air Africa decided to name its aircraft, each in Zulu. AEA was named Ukuziqhenya, which translates to Pride. AEB (B733) was named Ubunye, which means Unity, and AEC (B734) was named Umoya, which means Spirit.