SAA brings iconic Olympic-themed aircraft back into service

South African Airways (SAA) has reintroduced its eye-catching ‘Siyanqoba’ aircraft (which flew South Africa’s Olympic athletes to the 2012 event) into its operating fleet.

SAA Olympic aircraft
SAA reintroduces its iconic Olympic aircraft back into the fleet. Image Instagram/avgeek.rsa

The aircraft sporting a catchy design incorporating the colours of the South African flag was a common site in the South African skies for many years.

SAA OLYMPIC AIRCRAFT

A South African Airways aircraft (ZS-SXD), an Airbus A340-300, was painted with special livery ahead of the 2012 London Olympic Games.

This aircraft, named Siyanqoba, was used to transport South Africa’s Olympic team to the London Games in 2012.

RAMPING UP FLIGHT SCHEDULE

The aircraft will be used by SAA, to scale up its flight schedule.

The airline will primarily operate long-haul routes with the redeployed passenger aircraft.

SAA will operate flights to Perth and Lagos using the widebody jet.

In fact, the aircraft is no stranger to Perth. SAA has previously operated the route with this jet.

ALSO READ: South African Airways to increase Perth frequencies

SAA’S OLYMPIC AIRBUS A340 AIRCRAFT

The plane, now 19 years old is still proving its worth as a workhorse for South African Airways.

It can seat up to 253 passengers in two classes. It offers 215 seats in Economy Class and 38 in Business Class.

The Airbus A340-300 entered service with South African Airways in May 2007, after serving as part of the Jet Airways fleet from 2005.

AIRCRAFT SUSTAINABILITY

Though quad-engined jets are said to be heavy on fuel, these aircraft are not entirely unsustainable for an airline using them on long-distance routes.

In fact, several airlines including Swiss International Air Lines include Airbus A340 aircraft as part of their fleets.

The Airbus A340 can be quite sustainable if the aircraft operates with sufficient load factors, which South African Airways is seeing on its Perth route.

Next-generation twin-engined widebody aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and the Airbus A330 are in vogue, offering enhanced performance and sustainability.

That said, a number of airlines are bringing stored Airbus A380s (double-decker quad-engined aircraft) back into service.

This is to accommodate rising passenger demand – at a time when aircraft deliveries have hit a major backlog.

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