SAA gets first A340-300Enhanced

South African Airways earlier this week took delivery of its first A340-300 Enhanced. It will receive six of the aircraft by 2005 as it moves into the second phase of a comprehensive fleet modernization. The 295-seat A340-300E is powered by a higher-thrust version of the CFM56 that burns less fuel and is considered by SAA to be ideally suited for the hot-and-high conditions at points such as Johannesburg. Among other improvements are the use of LCD cockpit displays and a revised cabin interior design creating more personal space for passengers. SAA’s refleeting plans involve the acquisition of 41 new Airbus aircraft, including nine A340-600s and six A340-300Es for ultra-long and long-haul flights. It also has ordered 11 A319s and 15 A320s and will use them on its domestic and African route networks. Additionallly, it operates six leased A340-200s and two leased A330-200s.