I review flight SA 578, a scheduled South African Airways flight, from Johannesburg to Durban.
This review relates to a South African Airways flight taken on 14 May.Â
SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS FLIGHT
I did not check in online for this flight as I knew I would have ample time to do this at the airport before the departure.
The flight was scheduled to depart at 20.05 and arrive in Johannesburg at 21.10.
KING SHAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
I arrived at the airport at 18.10, with plenty of time to experience passenger service at South African Airways’ check-in counters.
On arrival at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport, I made my way to the departures level (located upstairs).
The airport was not busy, with only two or three flight departures remaining for the day.
CHECK-IN FORMALITIES
Check-in was completed swiftly, without any waiting. Several counters were open but there were almost no passengers. This made me wonder if SA 578 would be an empty flight. Â
The check-in counters were well sign-posted with SAA signage both on the ground and the overhead screens.
The red carpet was even laid out in front of certain counters. This created a good impression.
The staff member who assisted me was helpful and genuinely very pleasant.
Not having flown with South Africa’s national carrier, which often bears the brunt of much negativity and criticism, I was pleasantly surprised with the check-in experience.
DEPARTURE GATE
I made my way to security, which was speedy and efficient, This was probably down to the fact that I was so early, and possibly had the entire plane to myself!
At check-in, I was told that SA 578 was expected to depart on time and that boarding would begin at 19.35.
Then I headed for Gate A9 and sat there from about 18.35. SAA states that departure gates close 15 minutes before departure time.
At 19.05, the airline sent a notification to my phone advising the gate number and the departure time.
BOARDING PROCESS
Boarding began at 19.35 through the front door (via a loading bridge) and the rear door (via the steps and tarmac).
By this time many passengers had turned up, making it known that the flight would not be empty – as I previously assumed.
Being seated in the front row, I entered the aircraft through the front door. Moreover, on entering the aircraft I was in for a surprise.
LEASED AIRCRAFT
The flight was to be operated by a leased plane, not by SAA’s own aircraft. There were some visible signs that this was a South African Airways flight.
The disposable headrest covers had SAA’s logo on them. The seat pockets contained SAA’s inflight magazine, Sawubona.
In addition, the cabin crew wore scarves bearing SAA colours.
CABIN CREW
Two polite and formally dressed crew members welcomed passengers at the front door, while another two crew members were stationed at the rear door. Â
After speaking to the cabin supervisor, I discovered that SAA operated some of its flights with hired aircraft. This is due to aircraft shortages.Â
THE AIRCRAFT
Flight SA 578 was operated by a Boeing 737 leased from Africa Charter Airline, a charter company based in Johannesburg.
The company leases Boeing 737-500s, King Air 200s, or Boeing 737-300 Freighters to customers.
It operates scheduled services for various commercial airlines operating in the African and South African aviation landscape.
PASSENGER CABIN
The Boeing 737-500 narrow-body plane was configured in a full economy layout, with 3 seats on either side of the aisle.
The spacious leather seating was comfortable and there was decent leg-room between the rows.
PASSENGER SEATING
I was seated at the window, in seat 1A. This was the first time I sat in the very first row, right next to the main entrance.
There were no seatbacks with tray tables in the first row since there were no seats in front of this row. Tray tables are located in the armrests.
However, all the rows behind had decent legroom fold-down tray tables and seatback pockets.
CREW ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no announcements from the flight deck before departure – or at any time during the flight.
The cabin supervisor also did not introduce herself or the crew members operating the cabin service.
It turned out that there were 4 cabin crew on the flight. Two were stationed in the front while two were stationed in the back. Three were employees of the charter company while one was an SAA employee.
FLIGHT DEPARTURE
After flight checks were completed, the doors were closed at 20.14. The aircraft was pushed back at 20.16 and take off was at 20.24.
Having had no announcements from the flight deck, nothing was known about the course or route taken to Johannesburg.
INFLIGHT SERVICE
After the seatbelt signs were switched off, the cabin crew began a trolley service from both ends of the aircraft.
A snack box was offered, with either beef or vegetarian options. This contained a bread roll (with beef or vegetarian fillings) and a packet of dried fruit.
Beverages on offer included soft drinks, juices, water and beer. Moreover, this was available at no additional cost to all passengers.Â
The cabin crew made few but just the necessary announcements during the short flight.
TOUCH DOWN IN JOHANNESBURG
By 20.50 the aircraft began its descent for Johannesburg.
Again, there were no announcements from the flight deck, However, the cabin supervisor did make the necessary passenger-related announcements.
The flight landed on schedule in Johannesburg at 21.08, arriving at the gate at 21.16.
Passengers exited the aircraft through both the front and back doors.
O.R Tambo International Airport was rather quiet, as this was one of the last incoming flights for the day.
Consequently, there were no delays in getting from the aircraft to the arrivals hall.
ALSO READ: Flight Review: Lift Airline – GE 201, Johannesburg to Durban
OPINION
Overall, this was a pleasant flight, even though it was not operated by South African Airways itself.
However, with the recent arrival of three leased Airbus A320 aircraft SAA should be able to operate more flights with its own aircraft.
Nonetheless, Africa Charter Airline’s crew delivered a pleasant and professional service and the flight operated according to schedule.
In conclusion, I trust this flight review will inspire passengers to fly South African Airways.
