South African Airways (SAA) has operated the first international flight with its new Airbus A350-900 XWB aircraft.

The nonstop flight was operated on Tuesday between O.R Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg and John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, USA.

The operating aircraft is one of the four new Airbus A350-900s the airline added to its fleet in October 2019. It replaced the Airbus A340-600, which was previously used on the route.

On board the A350, passengers will enjoy superior features such as a quieter cabin and relaxing in-flight experience including the all-new In-flight Entertainment (IFE), extra-legroom in Economy Class and lie-flat beds in Business Class.

Johannesburg-New York route is the first of the international routes the airline plans to introduce the Airbus A350 in the near future.

The introduction of the A350s will contribute to SAA’s operational efficiencies and cost reduction, and forms part of the airline’s ongoing fleet renewal programme.

All A350-900s are equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Since entering into service in 2015, the Trent XWB engines have flown more than five million hours, and are now regarded as the world’s most efficient large aero-engines.

Photo credit: Eric