South African Airways (SAA) is to introduce new Airbus A350-900 on nonstop flights between New York JFK 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 A340-600 aircraft that are currently being operated on the route.
SAA said the switch of aircraft will reduce fuel burn by approximately 20 per cent on the route, which will also translate into significant savings that will contribute towards improved operating costs and financial performance of this important route.
“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 SAA.
“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.”
SAA has the most daily flights from the US to South Africa, with direct service from New York JFK and direct service from Washington, DC-Dulles Airport to Johannesburg via Accra, Ghana or Dakar, Senegal.
