SAA New Aircraft?

[HavocXphere]

That's the thinking that sinks businesses. They don't need it, they want it.

Not investing in capex is another sure way of sinking a business.

 

[Dave]

That's the thinking that sinks businesses. They don't need it, they want it.

If airlines went with your line of thought they'd still be flying DC-3's...

 

[FiestaST]

Hmm...

 

[Tsepz_GP]

Hmm...

The Queen still does it for me
Something about its quirky shape.

 

[KhoisanX]

Where do they get the money from???

They actually get money from Airbus each time an A333 is delivered.

 

[Naks]

meanwhile, in forward-thinking countries... http://www.airbus.com/presscentre/p...ail/detail/air-mauritius-orders-six-a350-xwb/

 

[Gaz{M}]

SAA is leasing these new A330's from Airbus. They probably got a reasonable deal. It's like when you buy/lease a "new" car just before the new model arrives - discounts.

That said, fuel cost is about 30% of operating costs. There are far more important factors that influence absolute profitability than just fuel consumption. Getting a new A350 would be impractical, firstly, because there is a huge waiting list and secondly because as has been said already, SAA doesn't need the range.

 

[Naks]

flew on a brand new A350 on SIA last week... that plane accelerates like no other I've been on - really moves when they throttle up for take-off.

It is amazingly quiet - too quiet, even. You can hear a screaming baby from cattle class all the way to the front.

it is also easier on the body - we arrived in Singapore much less dehydrated and tired than on other planes

 

[bluepoole]

it is also easier on the body - we arrived in Singapore much less dehydrated and tired than on other planes

This is because the A350, like the Boeing 787, have lower cabin altitudes, which is quite nice.