Novelty's in the air, but national airline SAA's route is down to earth
As SAA slowly makes its way out of its financial hole of the past decade, it will be flying in ever-more competitive global and African skies and alongside airlines that boast more efficient aircraft.
Last month, Airbus launched the latest aircraft in its A350 XWB family, the A350-1000, with Qatar Airways taking delivery of the first plane. The aircraft, which seats 366, was 25% more efficient than the current version of Boeing's 777, the 777-300ER, Airbus said. The aircraft also had better fuel efficiency and lower CO emissions, it claimed.
SAA's main competitor on the continent, Ethiopian Airlines, has ordered 18 Airbus A350-900 planes, the previous model. It currently operates six of these aircraft. The airline reportedly indicated last year that it was evaluating the A350-1000.
Qatar Airways said it was considering upgrading some of its A350 orders to the newer model.
In December last year, the International Air Transport Association (Iata) said in a report that stronger forecast economic growth in Africa was expected to support demand growth of 8% this year, slightly outpacing capacity expansion of 7.5% in the airline industry...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.