South African Airways (SAA) will introduce the most technology-advanced aircraft available for ultra-long-haul flying with the new Airbus A350-900 on nonstop flights between New York John F. Kennedy International Airport and Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport.
The new A350-900 will be delivered to SAA in the second half of 2019 and replace the Airbus A340-600 aircraft that are currently being operated on the route. These aircraft will offer enhanced passenger comfort and amenities, and present an opportunity for SAA to reduce fuel burn by approximately 20% compared to the current aircraft operating on the route. This will translate into significant savings that will contribute towards improved operating costs and financial performance of this important route. 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.
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 Business Class cabin will offer fully-flat bed seats, while Economy Class will offer extra legroom seating in the first six rows, offering a more comfortable customer experience.
“We are thrilled to soon have the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 operating daily on the New York JFK-Johannesburg route,” said Todd Neuman, executive vice president, North America for South African Airways. “With this latest generation aircraft, SAA will offer a modern product, including a quieter cabin, a more relaxing environment during flight, and the latest in-flight entertainment, in addition to providing SAA’s legendary world-class service both in the air and on the ground.”
