South African Airways (SAA) has received the first of four new Airbus A350-900s as it aims to improve its offering on long haul routes.
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 Airbus A340-600 on this route and will still be operated on a nonstop basis.
As additional aircraft are introduced, more routes will be operated by the Airbus A350-900s.
Zuks Ramasia, SAA’s acting CEO, said: “We welcome the first A350 home on South African soil. The introduction of the A350s offers a new beginning for the airline and will contribute to the airline’s operational efficiencies, and get SAA back on track. It 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."
SAA is set to receive four Airbus A350-900s over a period of six weeks, and all four are expected to operate commercially by mid-December following regulatory approvals and training.
SAA will operate the aircraft for three years.
The first two aircraft are nine months old and previously flew commercially with another carrier.
Aircraft number two and three are scheduled for arrival during the first week of November and the fourth aircraft will arrive in early December.