Customers travelling nonstop between Johannesburg and New York will now travel in luxury as South African Airways (SAA) adds a new state-of-the-art aircraft to its fleet.
SAA will supplement its existing long-haul fleet with the new Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which offer the latest technology, available in ultra-long-haul aircraft.
They will operate on one of SAA’s ultra-long-haul routes between Johannesburg and New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), replacing the A340-600.
High Levels of Comfort
The Airbus A350-900 is the world’s premier aircraft and offers the highest levels of customer and crew comfort combined with excellent economics for ultra-long-haul flights.
The aircraft also offers a modern In-flight Entertainment (IFE) system throughout the cabin.
The A350 has the latest offering in safety, maintenance and efficiency (technology).
Reduced Costs and Carbon Emissions
With these planes, SAA can reduce fuel burn by approximately 20% compared to the planes currently operating on that route.
This will translate into significant cost savings that will contribute to improved operating costs and financial performance.
In addition, the significance of this development is that it will add to a positive environmental impact, as SAA will also reduce its carbon emissions.
Extra Legroom and Lie-Flat Beds
The A350 configuration has 246 Economy Class seats with the first six rows offering extra legroom to provide a more comfortable experience, especially on longer flights. The Business Class cabin has lie-flat beds.
SAA will take delivery of the aircraft in the second half of 2019. The planes will be operational in SAA’s branding as soon as SAA has met the regulatory authority requirements.
“The introduction of these state-of-the-art aircraft to our fleet is an important step-change as we continue to make progress to transform our business and return the airline to financial sustainability in the shortest time possible.
“These aircraft present an immediate opportunity to offer an improved product between Johannesburg and New York which,” says acting SAA CEO, Zukisa Ramasia.
