South African Airways (SAA) has announced a change in aircraft for its highly anticipated flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg to São Paulo, Brazil. The airline, as it resumes its long-haul routes, will now operate these flights with the state-of-the-art Airbus A330-300, signifying a shift towards modernization and efficiency.
The transition to the twin-engine A330-300 represents a departure from the previously mentioned four-engine Airbus A340-300 and aligns with the airline’s strategic direction for its international routes.
Passengers can look forward to a seamless and comfortable journey aboard the A330-300, a widebody aircraft known for its advanced technology and enhanced features. Despite being referred to as “brand new,” the aircraft is a first-generation widebody model from Airbus, with approximately six years in service. It offers a significantly more modern and efficient option compared to the older A340-300 which has been flying in South Africa for almost 19 years.
SAA’s decision to upgrade the aircraft for its São Paulo route comes just weeks before the commencement of flights, set for October 31 from Cape Town and November 6 from Johannesburg.
The Airbus A330-300, with registration ZS-SXM, was delivered to SAA directly from the Airbus factory in 2017. It boasts an upgraded cabin configuration, including 46 seats in Business Class and 203 seats in Economy.
With its smaller post-restructuring fleet, SAA plans to operate two weekly flights from both Cape Town and Johannesburg to São Paulo. The A330-300’s advanced capabilities and fuel efficiency will contribute to the airline’s goal of delivering a seamless travel experience while adhering to sustainability principles.
