JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Comair Limited announced an order today for eight 737 MAX 8 aircraft, valued at $830 million at list prices. 

It is the first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft order announcement for an African operator. The order was booked in December 2013 and was previously unidentified on the Boeing orders & deliveries website

Johannesburg-based Comair operates Africa's first low cost carrier, kulula.com, offering flights to South Africa's major cities. Comair is also the franchise partner of British Airways, operating its local and regional Southern African routes. 

The company currently flies an all-Boeing fleet of 25 Classic and Next-Generation 737 aircraft on its kulula.com and British Airways (operated by Comair) brands. 

Erik Venter, chief executive officer of Comair, said: "We're proud to be the first African operator to announce an order the 737 MAX.

"This investment in Comair's fleet upgrade is fundamental to its business strategy of consistently improving customer service and value, while ensuring a sustainable airline. Our decision to make this investment was not taken lightly and is a critical component in managing our exposure to the volatile fuel price and thus minimizing the impact of the fuel price on airfares."

Van Rex Gallard, vice president of Africa, Latin America and Caribbean sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, added:  "Comair has grown over the past six decades by providing a product and service of consistent value, reliability and comfort.

"The unmatched operating economics of the 737 MAX make it the best airplane for Comair's growth strategy. In addition, the 737 Sky Interior, combined with Comair's excellent customer service, will provide an unmatched passenger experience."

The Boeing 737 MAX aircraft is based on the of the Next-Generation 737 and powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines.

With today's announcement Comair will have a total of 12 airplanes on order from Boeing, including the eight 737 MAX 8s and four Next-Generation 737-800s for delivery in 2015 and 2016. Since its announcement in 2011, the 737 MAX has amassed more than 1,800 orders worldwide.