I remember years ago flying on one of Delta's last DC-8s. It was kinda worn and reeked of cigarette smoke even though there had been no smoking on flights for quite a while at that time. I loved every minute of it
@@PatrickSheaAviation I think I pocketed everything I could that had the DC-8 branding on it (like the safety card). It was getting ready to be retired.
thank you so much for this video, patrick. i haven’t been home in three years, and god i miss it so much. seeing OR Tambo airport always makes me feel like im home. on another note, last time i flew on SAA was in 2013 on one of their -600s. good to see nothings changed ❤🇿🇦
This airplane sold 377 Units against its rival MD11s 200-- effectively putting an end to my favorite manufacturers wide body production. The 777 was from an operators perspective 'next level' when it came out coupla years later-- effectively slowing A340 sales to a trickle. My point being, the 340 was quite successful in that 92 - 95 period
@ 20:38, a note on the purser calling the captain the commander, the Xhosa word for the two is the same, Umphathi. if he isn’t Xhosa, then he’s probably just a joker.
I remember flying on an Asiana 747-400 in 2018....I distinctly recall wishing it a happy retirement as I left the plane knowing her days were numbered.
saw their a340 whilst at perth doing a bit of evening plane spotting. Probably my last and first time seeing an a340 as they only fly to perth in australia which is a 4 hour flight from where I live
There is a trick to clearing security and immigration faster at JNB if you have to check-in at Terminal B. Just walk to the Terminal A check-in area and pass security and immigration there. Even if there is a queue it still moves faster than the Terminal B side. It still took me a good 30 minutes 2 weeks ago but it is much faster than the Terminal B side.
Oh what a great and nostalgic moment this video is! I work for Swiss and we operate an A340 between Joburg and Zurich (very happy to see our HB-JMI in one of the shots😁), one of the best aircrafts I’ve ever been in!! ✈️
The second airline I ever went on in 1973 as a child.Teesside Airport to Heathrow: British Midland (Vickers Viscount ,I think)and then Heathrow to Johannesburg Jan Smuts as it was then called on an SAA 747 which called at Las Palmas, Canary Islands and Salisbury,Rhodesia as they were then .
Great video Patrick! WOW! 🤩 I CAN HARDLY BELIEVE the SAA A340-300 is BACK! 🇿🇦 🇦🇺 What a great video for sure! I wish SAA success and hope the A340s stick around and they do better financially. However, I’ve never known SAA without any financial issues. 😅 Cheers 🥂 my friend! What A GREAT video! I hope to maybe fly an A340 someday with Lufthansa before they’re all gone! 😂 -Caleb’s Aviation
20:55 Commander - The term commander (or Pilot In Command) is a simpler term for whoever’s in charge of the aircraft at that time. Although it’s often the Captain, if the Captain is on rest, one of the First Officers becomes the commander for that period.
South African Airways was a good airline 30 years ago. Sadly politicians thought they could run an airline while at the same time filling their pockets with loot. The A340 is not an economical aircraft to operate these days so I really wonder if SAA will ever fully revisit the halcyon days.
I don't think saa will recover, if the new gnu government do intend to save the airlines it will take many years to do so, other businesses or entities includes eskom, sabc and much more
Flew on this in May 2024, economy to Perth and Business back to Joburg. Sadly wasn't offered business class amenity kits on my way back. The seating in economy and business were very hard. Food and drinks were excellent. Staff were friendly, however many monitors did not work, luckily the flights I was on had many open seats.
Thank you Patrick fir sharing your trip here. Yes, I still like seeing the Airbus 340s. Yes, Lufthansa still fly their 340s here to Chicago. I have seen them flying over me on tge flight path into O'Hare International Airport. And yes the 747-800s they have as well. I agree with you about the observation of the 340s with the 4 engines set up. I still like them as well. Having to come from my former airline, I still like the older aircraft. Yes, we will see how each airline responds to their markets in the years to come. Hahaha 😅 I still miss the DC-10s that I flew on. Haha😊 Life in our airline industry.😊
Definitely North America to Frankfurt with Lufthansa, for now, is still a pretty safe bet for the 747. I rode on a 744 in April of this year to FRA from YYZ. Booked in business class but was too late for the upper deck... but I managed to get a seat right at the front in the nose so was pretty happy about that still. Will have to try for the upper deck again...
Great flight, the take off was so slow. Forgot how so it is. The 757 was a rocket in comparison. Meal service looked tasty. Hope more A340's return to service. They remind me of the 707/DC8's of years ago. Greg from North Carolina,USA.
you're absolutely right, had they stuck with b777 and a few 747 until the 773 ETOPS were obtained, nothing of the sort we've seen in the past 20 years would have happened.. for now they have no choice but to fly these airbus machines, but the b787 is on the cards, to replace both 359, 343, 346, and 333 missions..one plane could fulfill any of the missions the other 4 could, including the regional routes
13:21, Mahan air, Airbus A340-600 from Terhan to Kuala Lumpur (even though Iran is on sanction, so be careful) and Kuwait airways, Airbus A330-800 from Kuwait to JFK, you should try out soon.
A truly accurate and well presented video 🎉 The old and worn state of the seats is worrying. I will rather opt for a middle Eastern carrier. Longer flying time, but a more superior onboard product by far.
This winter, I have a 4-leg business class trip on Lufthansa, originally booked on two A340-600 and two 747 legs, respectively. The 747 legs have already been dropped and swapped with all four A340-600 legs. I was excited for the chance to be on 747, possibly one last time, but that’s not happening anymore. 😢
I have enjoyed your channel so, so much. But watching you doing your sponsor. You have so much knowledge.You look so young, Please don't that the wrong way. Please!! You should be very proud of yourself. Thanks from San Diego.🌴
In a "previous life" I used to fly on SAA very often. This video made me realize that SAA has really gone backwards while other lines went forward. SAD!!
I can argue that the Sukhoi Superjet with Western components like the Sam146 engine is rare within the airworthy realm. Since the sanctions on Russia, Sukhoi has been working on a Russian engine to replace the Western components. Meanwhile, Safran terminated repair programs for the Sam146, so the Superjets become less and less airworthy until the Russian components are ready.
im not sure how rare they are in comparison to other planes they are but three airlines (QANTAS, Virgin Aus, Allience) fly the fokker 100s in western australia for regional flights, i guess the Qantas 717 could also count as only Hawaiian and delta fly them but Qantas is retiering them by the end of this year with the new a220s they got earlier this year. also, great video, the a340 is such as interesting aircraft as it was so unlucky in regards to the time it was made due to etops
Great video! As a South African I’ve never heard of a captain being called a commander 🤔. Flew on one of SAAs leased 737s from JNB-CPT and the service was really great! Just curious, when was this video filmed?
you just love SAA don't yà.. ANYWAY, the 2nd a343 is being reactivated as we speak.. nearly done.. they have no choice but to bring the old chickens since their a333 don't have reserve tanks for the long trans indian or trans Atlantic routes..so expect either Hong Kong or Singapore launch soon .. if not increased frequency of the Perth route.. we'll see🎉
I live in Perth, and I can't understand why SAA parks its A340 on the ground here for about 12 hours between arriving and departing. Every other airline operating large wide-bodies into Perth (eg Emirates and Qatar, which both use A380s for PER flights) just turns them around real quick and flies them back home again. No wonder SAA struggles to make a profit ...
I would think mandatory crew rest periods. They can probably legally just squeeze in a crew rest if a 12 hour turn-around. If that is the reason, I can see the Perth departure often running a little late.
Technically they still are. The SA government, meaning us taxpayers funded it again, 3rd time I think for another go at it....hope it works this time!😂
My final memory of a dismal SAA flight was having to trample over a pile of breakfast trays to get off because the totally disinterested cabin crew couldn't be bothered to collect them, but that was over 20 years ago and I have not been on one of their aircraft since. I'm very pleased to hear that you enjoyed your experience though, us taxpayers probably subsidised it.
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Calling biltong jerkey is a crime in South Africa
😂😂😂 As a member of the Biltong Police, I couldn't agree more!
@@HARLEYQUINN-tf6ee he spoke positively well of SAA, we will let it pass this time😄😄
I AGREEEE
At least one other A340 (ZS-SXD) is being reactivated. It did some test flights a few weeks ago.
And as a plus, it wears a special livery XD
SAA staff are the nicest
I came to SA on a 747 49 years ago when SAA was in the top 3 airlines in the world 😊
I have travelled with this one from SA to Hong Kong.
I remember years ago flying on one of Delta's last DC-8s. It was kinda worn and reeked of cigarette smoke even though there had been no smoking on flights for quite a while at that time. I loved every minute of it
Sometimes it’s about more than the cabin 🤷♂️ I love it
@@PatrickSheaAviation I think I pocketed everything I could that had the DC-8 branding on it (like the safety card). It was getting ready to be retired.
Awesome! Was nice listening to you talk about South African....And I hope you liked the biltong ("kind of beef jerky").
Biltong! Gotcha. Thanks bro!
A340-600, one of the best aircraft of all time. SAA variant will be missed 😭
thank you so much for this video, patrick. i haven’t been home in three years, and god i miss it so much. seeing OR Tambo airport always makes me feel like im home. on another note, last time i flew on SAA was in 2013 on one of their -600s. good to see nothings changed ❤🇿🇦
That's awesome! Thanks!
I was in SA last year on internal flights but not South African. I love your knowledge about both airlines & equipment, just awesome.
Awesome! Thanks!
Wonderful video ! Love SAA, I’m glad they are back for this route!
Thanks! It's great to see them returning routes like this!
This airplane sold 377 Units against its rival MD11s 200-- effectively putting an end to my favorite manufacturers wide body production. The 777 was from an operators perspective 'next level' when it came out coupla years later-- effectively slowing A340 sales to a trickle. My point being, the 340 was quite successful in that 92 - 95 period
@ 20:38, a note on the purser calling the captain the commander, the Xhosa word for the two is the same, Umphathi. if he isn’t Xhosa, then he’s probably just a joker.
I remember flying on an Asiana 747-400 in 2018....I distinctly recall wishing it a happy retirement as I left the plane knowing her days were numbered.
Lucky 😢😢 I never got fly a 747
I love the A340. I went on my first long haul flight on an A340 and always had a soft spot for them
Great video Patrick! That take-off roll felt like an eternity! Oh, the A340! 🙂
Nothing like watching the 1000’ signs fly past while all the wheels are still on the ground 😂
saw their a340 whilst at perth doing a bit of evening plane spotting. Probably my last and first time seeing an a340 as they only fly to perth in australia which is a 4 hour flight from where I live
I get excited every time an SAA review comes up (patriotism)
Beautiful smooth and quiet engines.
Nice video! (Small heads up: in the description, the registration should start with ZS-, not XS-)
Thanks for visiting my country and giving such a nice review. Visit South Africa 🇿🇦 soon please.
The catering looks proper! Impressive
Great video as always! Geez that was a long takeoff roll! I'd have started worrying there was something wrong!
How's thing's going in Australia there Paul, love watching your awesome video's🛫
Ha! Thanks man! Those A340 takeoff rolls keep ya honest for sure lol
Johannesburg is 5000 ft above sea level which contributes to long takeoffs too.
There is a trick to clearing security and immigration faster at JNB if you have to check-in at Terminal B. Just walk to the Terminal A check-in area and pass security and immigration there. Even if there is a queue it still moves faster than the Terminal B side.
It still took me a good 30 minutes 2 weeks ago but it is much faster than the Terminal B side.
Dang! That’s good to know
O M G! That take off roll! Had a Canadian DC10 30 take off at Honolulu which took a long time, but this one takes 1st prize!
It definitely had me counting down the 1000ft signs 😅
ORT has some of the longest take-off distances for all types for a major airport due to its altitude of 1700m.
Definitely doesn’t help. But the A340 is also infamous for its horrible takeoff performance
Oh what a great and nostalgic moment this video is! I work for Swiss and we operate an A340 between Joburg and Zurich (very happy to see our HB-JMI in one of the shots😁), one of the best aircrafts I’ve ever been in!! ✈️
The second airline I ever went on in 1973 as a child.Teesside Airport to Heathrow: British Midland (Vickers Viscount ,I think)and then Heathrow to Johannesburg Jan Smuts as it was then called on an SAA 747 which called at Las Palmas, Canary Islands and Salisbury,Rhodesia as they were then .
Great video Patrick! WOW! 🤩
I CAN HARDLY BELIEVE the SAA A340-300 is BACK! 🇿🇦 🇦🇺
What a great video for sure! I wish SAA success and hope the A340s stick around and they do better financially. However, I’ve never known SAA without any financial issues. 😅
Cheers 🥂 my friend!
What A GREAT video! I hope to maybe fly an A340 someday with Lufthansa before they’re all gone! 😂
-Caleb’s Aviation
Heck yea man! Thanks!
Hair dryer engines?😂 the long takeoff roll is also due to altitude and fuel load I would imagine. I miss the 340…always one of my favorites
The definitely didn’t help but the A340-300 is infamous for its horrendous takeoff performance as well
20:55 Commander - The term commander (or Pilot In Command) is a simpler term for whoever’s in charge of the aircraft at that time. Although it’s often the Captain, if the Captain is on rest, one of the First Officers becomes the commander for that period.
Interesting. In all my years as a pilot I've only ever heard "commander" used in space travel, not in replacement for PIC
I still remember my last a340 flight.
AF499 13th november 2019
It felt surreal & old compared to the a330/KL725 I arrived on...
Another early morning Patrick Shea aviation video. Let’s gooo 🤙🏽
South African Airways was a good airline 30 years ago. Sadly politicians thought they could run an airline while at the same time filling their pockets with loot.
The A340 is not an economical aircraft to operate these days so I really wonder if SAA will ever fully revisit the halcyon days.
Well unfortunately their long haul fleet is limited unless they pick up some leases, so the A340 will live on at SAA for a while
Certified Qantas moment.
Yes yes agree same in some Caribbean governments running airline pls . Glad A340 back with South African 😊
I don't think saa will recover, if the new gnu government do intend to save the airlines it will take many years to do so, other businesses or entities includes eskom, sabc and much more
Flew on this in May 2024, economy to Perth and Business back to Joburg. Sadly wasn't offered business class amenity kits on my way back. The seating in economy and business were very hard. Food and drinks were excellent. Staff were friendly, however many monitors did not work, luckily the flights I was on had many open seats.
Definitely an outdated cabin. Sucks considering the A330s have excellent looking cabins
Delta's Flying Pencil is a treat to see as well. Flew on it once from Atlanta to Salt Lake and couldn't get over the length.
Not many 757s left outside the US for sure!
Thank you Patrick fir sharing your trip here. Yes, I still like seeing the Airbus 340s. Yes, Lufthansa still fly their 340s here to Chicago. I have seen them flying over me on tge flight path into O'Hare International Airport. And yes the 747-800s they have as well. I agree with you about the observation of the 340s with the 4 engines set up. I still like them as well. Having to come from my former airline, I still like the older aircraft. Yes, we will see how each airline responds to their markets in the years to come. Hahaha 😅 I still miss the DC-10s that I flew on. Haha😊 Life in our airline industry.😊
I reckon i prefer that breakfast alot more, than that dinner you had., but each to ones own i guess., awesome SA A340 flight review there Patrick🛫👍
Fair enough. Thanks!
How many hours did you sleep on the plane? The cabin, in flight entertainment TV and map need to be refurbished and interactive.
Definitely North America to Frankfurt with Lufthansa, for now, is still a pretty safe bet for the 747. I rode on a 744 in April of this year to FRA from YYZ. Booked in business class but was too late for the upper deck... but I managed to get a seat right at the front in the nose so was pretty happy about that still. Will have to try for the upper deck again...
We (SAA) also had I think at least 2 A340-600s. Can anyone confirm?
Great flight, the take off was so slow. Forgot how so it is. The 757 was a rocket in comparison. Meal service looked tasty. Hope more A340's return to service. They remind me of the 707/DC8's of years ago. Greg from North Carolina,USA.
Definitely! Fun to be on a plane designed in a totally different era! Love it!
Yes, full of nostalgia!
Holy! That was one long take off - was worried there for a second…
Another great vlog. Is this the aircraft with lavatories on a lower deck for economy class?
Awesome video, Patrick. The A340 is Airbus' only strategic mistake to date. But with all that, the program broke even in the end.
A380?
you're absolutely right, had they stuck with b777 and a few 747 until the 773 ETOPS were obtained, nothing of the sort we've seen in the past 20 years would have happened..
for now they have no choice but to fly these airbus machines, but the b787 is on the cards, to replace both 359, 343, 346, and 333 missions..one plane could fulfill any of the missions the other 4 could, including the regional routes
Man, that is a crusty ole bird. I'm an An-geek, but that is just a dirty ole bird.
13:21, Mahan air, Airbus A340-600 from Terhan to Kuala Lumpur (even though Iran is on sanction, so be careful) and Kuwait airways, Airbus A330-800 from Kuwait to JFK, you should try out soon.
I never realized how incredibly flat (albiet green) Australia is! Great video.
Thanks for sharing lovely A340 hope u have grea5 time in Perth
SAA used to have some of the best cabin services and amenities.
Looks comfortable. Spacious and welcoming. YOU ARE TOO CRITICAL. AT LEAST THESE AIRCRAFT ARE PROVEN SAFE.
Not saying its uncomfy... it's just lightyears behind other current products. Still far better than any economy offerings though
Oo, nostalgic
"Kind of felt like sleeping on a half pipe"
ahahah thanks for the laugh
Thought it was never gonna take off ...had me worried with that roll
A truly accurate and well presented video 🎉 The old and worn state of the seats is worrying. I will rather opt for a middle Eastern carrier. Longer flying time, but a more superior onboard product by far.
But we don’t come for the interior to be fair… it’s all about the A340 🤷♂️
This winter, I have a 4-leg business class trip on Lufthansa, originally booked on two A340-600 and two 747 legs, respectively. The 747 legs have already been dropped and swapped with all four A340-600 legs. I was excited for the chance to be on 747, possibly one last time, but that’s not happening anymore. 😢
I feel bad for you man! I’m flying the classic 747-400 and newer 747-8 this winter with LH 🇩🇪
@@Calebs_Aviation yes. I lucked out. Was really looking forward to it.
Sounds like Lufty’s 74s will be around for a while longer so you should have another chance hopefully. Enjoy the -600 though!
@@PatrickSheaAviation they’re not sending them to BOS anymore, but keeping fingers crossed, if I get another chance.
Hearing from an airline reviewer that doesn’t seem like an absolute weirdo is super refreshing.
I have enjoyed your channel so, so much. But watching you doing your sponsor. You have so much knowledge.You look so young, Please don't that the wrong way. Please!! You should be very proud of yourself. Thanks from San Diego.🌴
In a "previous life" I used to fly on SAA very often. This video made me realize that SAA has really gone backwards while other lines went forward. SAD!!
thats what happens when you have an extremely corrupt government who mismanages every single cent they get their hands on
Thanks for the info + video!
Thanks!
Besides the 777X, my favourite is the A340-600, warts and all, will be awful to see it globally retired.
Which ANC member is getting the kickback.....
That A340 must still work with paraffin.
You shouln't complain about the time to check in as you arrived so late.
Tough take man. 4 hours before a flight is “so late” now 🤔🤨
Very good narration.. was easy to listen to
I can argue that the Sukhoi Superjet with Western components like the Sam146 engine is rare within the airworthy realm. Since the sanctions on Russia, Sukhoi has been working on a Russian engine to replace the Western components. Meanwhile, Safran terminated repair programs for the Sam146, so the Superjets become less and less airworthy until the Russian components are ready.
Patrick
Wow looks like you discovered Northcliffe in Joburg
im not sure how rare they are in comparison to other planes they are but three airlines (QANTAS, Virgin Aus, Allience) fly the fokker 100s in western australia for regional flights, i guess the Qantas 717 could also count as only Hawaiian and delta fly them but Qantas is retiering them by the end of this year with the new a220s they got earlier this year. also, great video, the a340 is such as interesting aircraft as it was so unlucky in regards to the time it was made due to etops
Definitely some fun and rare aircraft out there!
Hey Patrick. Another great video!!!
I was wondering if you could try Iberia’s a350 new business class?
I definitely have plans for that soon! 👀
@@PatrickSheaAviation YAY!!!!!!!!!!!
@@PatrickSheaAviation I can’t wait!!
What’s the status with the two A340-500s that are under Azerbaijan Airlines?
Great video! As a South African I’ve never heard of a captain being called a commander 🤔. Flew on one of SAAs leased 737s from JNB-CPT and the service was really great! Just curious, when was this video filmed?
Thanks! It was last week. It’s all in the description
that takeoff took forever :D classic 343
Is the A340 still economical to fly?
Interesting that you landed on 06….. that can’t be very common for heavy arrivals!
They were using it all day, made for some fun views of the city
Correction. The return flight probably used the longer runway 03/21 for take-off.
@@golsen17yeah you’d think so given the legendarily long take off rolls the hairdryer-powered A343s have haha
Are A340s now so rare or what
I flew on on one on Lufthansa, Frankfurt to Johannesin the past year😮
Not many left. Only with a couple airlines at this point
I saw one parked last year, maybe it's that one.
How about the South African A349-600?
Ooooh you came to Perth my home town! What did you think? Love your vida btw 😊
Heck yea! Awesome man!
I have never been on a plane before not that I don't want to but you know costs😅 I wish though.
Thank you Patrick.
Thanks!
you just love SAA don't yà.. ANYWAY, the 2nd a343 is being reactivated as we speak.. nearly done.. they have no choice but to bring the old chickens since their a333 don't have reserve tanks for the long trans indian or trans Atlantic routes..so expect either Hong Kong or Singapore launch soon .. if not increased frequency of the Perth route..
we'll see🎉
That’s awesome! I’m still waiting for that US return 👀😂🤷♂️
you should try air zim's 737-200
Greetings from Cape Town.
Well South African does have more A340's but it is in the back of the airport
love the boo-fet!
I live in Perth, and I can't understand why SAA parks its A340 on the ground here for about 12 hours between arriving and departing. Every other airline operating large wide-bodies into Perth (eg Emirates and Qatar, which both use A380s for PER flights) just turns them around real quick and flies them back home again. No wonder SAA struggles to make a profit ...
I’m assuming it has to do with timing the arrival back in JNB, allowing for better connections but I don’t know for sure
I would think mandatory crew rest periods. They can probably legally just squeeze in a crew rest if a 12 hour turn-around. If that is the reason, I can see the Perth departure often running a little late.
When will the A340-600 Return?
No plans yet, but that would be cool to see
737-200s still fly in Venezuela with Avior Airlines Simply Aviation has done a video on it)
If only I could get my visa
@@PatrickSheaAviation Honestly just go to Canada if you wanna try one, it's less of a headache of trying to get it done
10:52 That looks like biltong.
It is biltong
This guy 😂😂
Bros not covering the number plates!!😭😭
I thought the SAA was bancrupt long ago?
They did. It came back a couple years ago or so and now they’re re-building the international network
Technically they still are. The SA government, meaning us taxpayers funded it again, 3rd time I think for another go at it....hope it works this time!😂
NO WAY I SAW A A340 WHEN I WAS AT SCHOOL I LIVE NEAR CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
10:57 itis a south african tipical things it is called billtong
No. Biltong
Where was it stored Luanda perhaps??
I was almost positive that they stored them in Joburg, just tucked away 🤷♂️
@@PatrickSheaAviation I know they flew to Luanda dayly so just thaught thats were they were kept 🤣🤣
Not sure why SAA brought back the oldest A340 version instead of the more modern A340-600.
Yea. It’s interesting. I don’t know the A340s as well but I’m sure there’s a reason
Norhing to do with age. The 300 is the best long distance model
@@gerhardmeyer8891 why this? The A340-600 is better in every way.
My final memory of a dismal SAA flight was having to trample over a pile of breakfast trays to get off because the totally disinterested cabin crew couldn't be bothered to collect them, but that was over 20 years ago and I have not been on one of their aircraft since. I'm very pleased to hear that you enjoyed your experience though, us taxpayers probably subsidised it.
The are returning another a340 (ZS-ZSD)
but one thing i hate its about the wifi