Backstage pass: South African Airways A340-300 inaugural to Perth

We’re in South Africa to catch a very special flight with South African Airways, the inaugural re-launch of direct flights between Johannesburg and Perth in Western Australia on the rare and beautiful Airbus A340-300. First we’re at the SAA Technical hangar to spend some time with the aircraft and watch as technicians do their pre-flight checks; we join the celebrations at the check-in area; we check out the brand new SAA lounge at OR Tambo, and then we’re in the cockpit for the momentous departure and takeoff; we get a bit of dinner and a rest in the business class cabin; then it’s back in the flight deck for the warm reception and very nice landing the following morning at Perth. This is SAA’s second intercontinental route launch since coming back from its pandemic-era shutdown, so it’s a big day for the airline and for South Africa as a whole as its flag flies once again to Australia.

SECTIONS:
00:00 Intro
01:07 Meet the A340 / arrival checks
13:06 Check-in celebrations
15:09 New SAA lounge
17:35 Boarding
19:09 Cockpit pre-flight
21:14 Cockpit departure
25:31 Takeoff
28:22 Good evening Maputo
30:49 Dinner & sleep
32:05 Preparation for landing
35:03 Approach and landing

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Useful flight tracking links:

#southafrica #SAA #a340

[StraightUpShow]

We are so glad you were on our brand new flight! Seemed you enjoyed!

[lorrenzom]

That female Pilot there is my sister Asnath Mahapa🙌🏼🙌🏼❤️❤️❤️❤️

[TaylenIsInsane]

Man the A340 is such a beautiful aircraft. Great to see South African Airways slowly regaining their former glory, even if its taking a while ☺️

[everythingelsesport]

Our government should start realizing how many people, young and old are affected by the decision made on their behalf. Its heart warming seeing those young technicians smiling again and those pilots back doing what they love. Let's Love our country guys, its all we have, our only home, we need to protect it.

[TheaBothma]

At minute 36.11 when the Perth control tower suddenly said 'Welkom terug Springbok', I could just not control my tears! How fabulous!! Thanks Perth! (And our lovely Co-Pilot responded with a 'Baie dankie'!. Oh, I am so proud of you all and our country!!!

[mohdotnet]

Is it just me, or has watching this video just make one feel extra south African. Nice to see the professionalism of the team . Keep it up guys ❤

[helen]

Ex SAA Flight Attendant here, 1991-2008. What amazing memories!! If I could turn back time and do it again!!🥰

[takeoffnow]

This plane actually flew over my house and it was so cool seeing an A340 for the first time in my life.

[makeitrainnaren]

"We are the stars of South Africa!" Man- the enthusiasm of the entire ground and air crew is amazing!!!

[aobakwekabi]

First Officer Asnath Mahapa, The First Black Female Pilot In South Africa ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[prakashnarismulu]

Great to see the technical support team . The unsung heroes of commercial aviation

[renecoetzee]

Man, I love aviation! I am not a pilot or even work in aviation but I am a fan regardless. This video makes me see the professionalism of the SAA staff and I will definitely use SAA when I visit my brother in NZ! Well done, guys!

[Panda]

Proud to see the South African ladies at work ❤

[CPT_Aviation]

As a South African aviation YouTuber, it’s great too see our countries airline get recognition like this 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[kobusvanstaden]

I lived and worked in the DR Congo for 11 years. The old Kinahasa had an open viewing deck. I will never forget the feeling of seeing my country's flag touch down... it always felt that they came specifically for me. To take ME home. I love my airline... the moment you step onboard, you're home already. Nobody smiles like a South African ❤❤❤

[eacoincmubiru]

Welcome back SAA. Hope you regain your former glory. Africa needs you.

[thabomabuza]

This has to be the quickest 40-minute video I've ever watched. Great content.

[brendaradebe]

It’s nice to see SAA flying back to Perthfontein❤️❤️ Well done Captain Vusi, Asnat Moeng & team 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[kobusvanstaden]

Oh wow... that controller saying "welkom terug, Springbok" brought a lump to my throat. My complex yet beautiful country with its warm hearts... come on Aussies, hop onboard and come visit us! 😊

[skoodledoo]

"We are the stars of South Africa". All the technical team, such high professionalism yet all their personalities shine through. Love them!