SOUTH African Airways will start flying to Beijing by the end of the year in line with a growth strategy that will see it introduce seven new destinations in coming months and embark on an extensive fleet enhancement programme.
This was announced by SAA ceo, Siza Mzimela, at a ceremony at Cape Town International Airport to celebrate the arrival of the first of six new A330-200 aircraft to be delivered to SAA during the current financial year. The aircraft are being leased from Dublin-based Aircastle and will replace SAA’s ageing fleet of six A340-200s on routes to London, Ghana and South America.
The A330-200, which is the first twin-engine aircraft to be used on SAA long-haul operations, seats 36 passengers in business class and 186 in economy.
SAA will also take delivery of 20 A320-300s between 2013 and 2015 for use on its domestic and regional routes, making it an all-Airbus operator by 2015, said Public Enterprises Minister, Malusi Gigaba. He said SAA would increase frequencies on its domestic and regional routes and explore new destinations. SAA already operates 11 A319s, 14 A340-200/300s and nine A340-600s.
For more on this story refer to TNW February 16.
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