Question NW3063 to the Minister of Finance
30 October 2017 - NW3063
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)(a) With reference to aircraft that was ordered for the SA Airways (SAA) what total number of Airbus A330-300 wide-bodied aircraft did SAA receive from 1 September 2016 to 30 September 2017 and (b) for which routes are the specified aircraft being used; (2) whether the specified aircraft replaced any existing aircraft on the specified routes; if so, what has been done with the existing aircraft that was replaced; (3) whether the new wide-bodied aircraft are able to fly non-stop directly from South African international airports to international destinations (details furnished); if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (4) whether any additional flight and/or cabin crew were employed to service the specified aircraft; if so, (a) on what date were these employees appointed, (b) what are the recruitment processes that were followed and (c) what are the further relevant details in this regard; (5) whether the SAA leases any aircraft that are not fully utilised; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1)(a) Five (5) A330-300s.
(1)(b)These aircraft are deployed on Johannesburg-Accra/Washington, Johannesburg-Sao Paulo, Johannesburg-Dakar/Washington, and Johannesburg-Lagos routes.
(2) These aircraft replaced the two(2) A340-600s (to be returned to the lessors at the end of the lease contract in January/February 2018 and five(5) A340-300s aircraft that are more than 15 years old. SAA had heavy maintenance checks due on the existing fleet so the available flying time on the A340-300s, because of the introduction of the A330-300s, has enabled SAA to comply with the maintenance schedule as well as to adhere to the published operating schedule.
(3) Yes. The A330-300 can operate direct/non-stop flights between South Africa and Europe, South America and the African Countries. These aircraft are not an ultra-long range and can therefore not be able to fly directly to North America. North American routes are ultra-long, with more than 12 hours of non-stop flying. These routes are serviced via Accra and/or Dakar.
(4) No additional flight and/or cabin crew were employed to service the A330-300s nor was extra training required to manage the fleet change. These types have the same crew ratings as the existing fleet.
(5) SAA is not leasing any aircraft that is not fully utilised. All aircraft in the SAA fleet are fully utilised in accordance with the schedule.