Kulula Water Landings April Fools 2012 |
1 April 2012 |
On 1 April 2011 we had the Kulula Skywriting announcement. And 2012's April fools day wouldn't be complete without a bit of Kulula humour:
"April signifies a new era for South Africa’s favourite no-frills airline, kulula.com. Earlier today, the airline announced a first-of-its-kind solution to deliver improved revenue streams at an increasingly turbulent time for the aviation industry," it all sounds reasonable up to here, that a budget carrier would be looking to increase its income from rider products.
"Kulula has already taken steps to curb rising airport traffic congestion and high airport taxes by pioneering flights to secondary airports like Lanseria and even proposing to purchase the mothballed Durban airport from government, which was regrettably rejected." Drawing attention to the fabulous job they've done with Lanseria International Airport, and having a little stab at Government's refusal to let them purchase the old Durban International Airport.
"Their latest innovation will see selected flights landing on state-of-the-art water runways near Cape Town and Durban harbours and Hartebeespoort Dam in Gauteng." Hehehe...whilst the first couple of paragraphs sounded eminently reasonable, as all April fools jokes do, now it starts getting a little over the top, as we jump into the water-landing bit. So, Harties residents don't get too excited!
“Globally, all airlines are feeling the pinch and 2012 will be a watershed year where only the most agile will keep their heads above water. kulula has always prided itself on successfully maintaining a low fare business model which motivated us to find new ways to ensure ticket prices remain affordable” says kulula group spokesperson, Heidi Brauer. [quoting a spokesperson is a nice move - adds credibility]
"In July this year kulula will take delivery of eight new next-generation Boeing 737-800’s. Two of these aircraft are specifically designed for water landings." Ummmm....ok, but don't think that's quite what Boeing intended them to be used for! (the only water landing of a big jet we've heard of was on the Hudson River, and the pilot certainly didn't intend that when he took off!).
"The 737-Seaplane, in aviation terms is classified as a flying boat due to its modified fuselage which is the main source of buoyancy and which acts like a ship’s hull in the water. All these vessels have been designed to ensure smooth landings and are equipped with the latest technology to ensure passenger comfort and safety, says Brauer." Loving the detail :)
"Before coming aboard, kulula captains and flight crew will undergo rigorous training on sea and water landings, judging drift from sea current, swell size and nautical navigation." Hehehe - good to hear South Africa will be pioneering this.
"Passengers will embark and disembark from exclusive kulula piers and be ferried to the planes by designated water shuttles." Venice in South Africa :)
“Airlines that do not significantly reinvent themselves are unlikely to stay afloat in these troubled economic times. kulula has never been scared of navigating unchartered waters and once launched we’re sure it will go swimmingly.” says Brauer.
The first landing is scheduled for the 4th of July."
Category : Kulula Airlines
