SAA operates new Airbus A350-900 to JFK powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine

South African Airways (SAA) new Airbus A350-900 operated its first international flight from O.R Tambo International (ORTIA) airport to New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport.
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“This inaugural flight was the first that we plan to introduce on our international routes in the near future.  We are excited that our passengers will enjoy the A350s superior features such as a quieter cabin and relaxing in-flight experience including the all-new In-flight Entertainment (IFE), extra-legroom seats in Economy Class and lie-flat beds in Business Class,” said Zuks Ramasia, SAA’s Acting CEO.

 

The aircraft, which is environmentally friendly, with improved fuel-efficiency can fly further than any other aircraft in commercial service. It is one of the four new Airbus A350-900s that SAA added to its fleet in October 2019.  It replaces the Airbus A340-600, which was being used on the route.

 

“All the A350-900s are equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Since entering 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.

 

Ramasia received a gift from Ryan Goodnight, vice president customers, Rolls-Royce in recognition of the delivery of the first A350 to SAA.

 

The gift was a bolt certified as a genuine part of the first Trent XWB to fly.  The bolt is designed to withstand the forces generated with the engine day in, day out, while the fan spins at up to 3,000rpm, in order to complete each and every mission.  Some forces can be extreme, so much so that a complete engine set of these bolts could support the weight of two Airbus A280s! That’s an extraordinary bolt, but only one part within an engine of 18,000 parts all of which have an amazing story to tell.

 

This bolt was one part of the first Trent XWB ever to take to the skies as part of the flying testbed (FTB) programme.  It made history on 18th February 2012 with the first flight of the Trent XWB on board a modified Airbus A380 test aircraft.  In doing so, it became the most efficient aero engine ever to fly at that time.

 

“The introduction of the A350s will contribute to our operational efficiencies and cost reduction, and forms part of the ongoing fleet renewal programme.

 

“For example, through the A350s, we will lower our operational costs, and save on our fuel consumption by 25% and also lower our maintenance costs by 40% over a five-year period,” said Ramasia.