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
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025