SAA makes changes in London fleet
As part of a restructuring initiative, South Africa Airways (SAA) plans to introduce its new Airbus A340-600s alternating with the A340-300e on its London route by November 2.
SAA will ground its fleet of B747-400 aircraft, of which it currently owns one and leases an additional five. The fleet is an expensive, small sub-fleet of SAA with high costs versus the revenue generated by the aircraft the airline announced in June.
SAA is in the process of overhauling its entire business model, including strategy, processes, people and systems with a view to simplifying and rightsizing the business.
The airline has also embarked on a comprehensive programme to reconsider its current fleet structure, having agreed to put the planned fleet upgrade and acquisition strategy on hold.
The A340s have a two class configuration, for Premium class and Economy class. Premium class combines the very best of both First and Business class features and includes the airline’s Premium Class lie-flat seat, voted Best Business Class Lie-flat seat in the World over two consecutive years by Skytrax, the British- based airline advisor.
Premium Class Customers will also experience complimentary chauffeur drive service, preferential check-in, access to the Baobab lounges, service-on-demand (eat what you want when you wish), linen, crockery, cutlery and glassware, duvet and large pillow, 2-2-2 abreast configuration with no middle seat.
This aircraft also has a more generous seat pitch of 33-34 inches in economy class, after the airline increased the seat space at the back of the aircraft to add to customer comfort.
SAA will take a phased approach to putting the new aircraft on the route. This will begin by July 1 and will be completed by November 2. In the interim, the current three classes of First, Business and Economy will be available on the route.
The SAA London flight schedule will remain the same except for the daily SA237 London to Johannesburg service which will depart at 20h00 on Saturdays instead of the usual 21h30.
Report by Chitra Mogul
Chitra Mogul
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