South African Airways leases two Airbus A350

South African Airways (SAA) has announced that it signed a three-year leasing agreement for two Airbus A350-900 aircraft which are expected to join the airline’s fleet in the second half of 2019.

The introduction of these state-of-the-art aircraft to our fleet is an important step-change as we continue to make progress to transform our business and return the airline to financial sustainability in the shortest time possible. SAA CEO, Zukisa Ramasia

The new Airbus A350s will operate on one of SAA’s long haul routes between Johannesburg and New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), replacing the older Airbus A340-600 aircraft on this route. The flag carrier of South Africa says that the aircraft presents an opportunity to reduce fuel burn by approximately 20% compared to the A340s on the route.

South African Airways’ current widebody fleet comprises of Airbus A330-200, A330-300 and A340-300/-600 aircraft. The Star Alliance member operates long-haul services to destinations in North America, Latin America, Europe, Australia and Asia.