South African Airways recently took delivery of the first of four new Airbus A350-900s.
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 non-stop basis.
As additional aircraft are introduced, more routes will be operated by the Airbus A350-900s.
The airbus A350-900 is configured with a maximum of 339 seats, of which 30 are business class seats and 309 are economy class seats, with the first six rows in economy class offering extra legroom to provide a more comfortable experience, especially on longer flights.
The business class cabin has lie-flat beds.
The aircraft also offers a modern in-flight entertainment system throughout the cabin.
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.