JOHANNESBURG. 30 June 2022. South African Airways (SAA) is introducing the latest technology, available in ultra-long-haul aircraft, hailing exciting news for customers travelling nonstop between Johannesburg and New York JFK.

SAA will supplement its existing long-haul fleet with new Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which are modern, twin-engine, and wide-body aircraft. These new-generation aircraft boast fuel-efficiency and other benefits and advantages. The aircraft 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 aircraft on this route and will still be operated on a nonstop basis.

“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 will be accompanied by unmatched and consistent customer experience for both Business and Economy Class customers,” says acting SAA CEO, Zukisa Ramasia.

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). These aircraft present an opportunity for SAA to reduce fuel burn by approximately 20% compared to the aircraft currently operating on that route. This will translate into significant cost savings that will contribute towards 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. 

SAA will lease the aircraft for up to three years.

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 aircraft will be operational in SAA’s branding as soon as SAA has met the regulatory authority requirements.

“We are proud to offer our customers the latest generation aircraft with a modern product, including a quieter cabin, a more relaxing environment during flight, and the latest in-flight entertainment,” concludes Ramasia.

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Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs

About South African Airways:

South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers. SAA is one of six airlines globally certified as IEnvA Stage 2, the highest and most comprehensive level in terms of environmental regulatory compliance and governance thereto.

For media information, please contact:

SAA Spokesperson Mr Tlali Tlali

Email: TlaliTlali@flysaa.com

Mobile: +27 (0)82 333-3880

Office: +27 (0)11 978-2298

Marketing Enquiries:

Head of Marketing

Mr Themba Khumalo

Office: +27 (0)11 978-5597

Mobile: +27 (0)81 555-2353

Email: ThembaKhumalo@flysaa.com

General Enquiries:

Switchboard: +27 (0)11 978-1000

Website: www.flysaa.com

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