First of the new SAA fleet arrives

SOUTH African Airways (SAA), which posted a loss of R5.6 billion for the 2014/15 financial year, has unveiled a new A330-300 aircraft aimed at improving efficiencies.

SAA’s acting chief executive, Musa Zwane, said the state-of-the-art aircraft which arrived on Friday was in line with the national carrier’s turn-around strategy.

He said the aircraft would not only inject new life into customer experience, but would bolster SAA’s bottom line.

“Beyond product refreshing which our customers will surely enjoy, this is an important milestone for us in the context of the implementation of our long-term turnaround strategy we unveiled three years ago.

“The new aircraft will bring much needed efficiencies, and this is expected to impact positively on the company’s bottom line,” Zwane said.

The company said the aircraft was part of five new A330300 aircraft on order, which would enable the airline to expand its current route network and improve its efficiencies.

“Customers will be pleased with the latest-generation onboard amenities and other cabin features on the A330-300s. They certainly offer customers an improved travel experience,” said Zwane.

The A330-300s offered stateof-the-art technology, were environmentally friendly, and were comfortable, he said.

In terms of features the aircraft boasts a capacity for 249 passengers, with 46 in premium business class and the difference in economy class.

Seating in business class cabins was in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, offering increased privacy and providing all business class passengers with direct access to the aisle.

The A330-300s offered more business class seats than the largest aircraft in SAA’s current fleet.

For the economy class the A330 was fitted with 203 newly designed slim-line seats, with extra personal space and generous leg room. Number of passengers an A330 can transport

Each seat is fitted with a 10,1” screen, individual USB charging ports and access to shared PC power points.

Last week it was reported the Treasury planned to review a contract entered into by SAA, but was awaiting documentation and approval from the company’s leadership.

This was according to a parliamentary response from Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan published on Wednesday.

SAA spokesman Tlali Tlali declined to comment, saying the Treasury was best suited to do so.

Treasury spokeperson, Yolisa Tyantsi, said in fact the Treasury was not probing the contract.

“You will recall last year, National Treasury announced it will review all state owned enterprises contracts above R10 million. This is part of that process,” she said.