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.
SA280 (April 28, 2024) inaugural Flightradar24 playback: www.flightradar24.com/data/fl...
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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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#southafrica #SAA #a340
We are so glad you were on our brand new flight! Seemed you enjoyed!
May the company grow back bigger and better
Congrats 🥂 SA Airlines
congrates SAA👏👏👏
That female Pilot there is my sister Asnath Mahapa🙌🏼🙌🏼❤️❤️❤️❤️
First Officer Asnath Mahapa, The First Black Female Pilot In South Africa ❤️❤️❤️❤️
She is in good company with many black female pilots who have emerged since around 1999. I think the first heli pilot among these ladies was Refilwe Ledwaba, flying for SAPS. If I recall correctly, the first SAA flight with two black women in the cockpit was about 10 years ago? Many have had very versatile careers, from airforce to rescue work. Great role models for our young girls today.
❤❤💯💯
Whhaaaa...hhaaaa
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 ☺️
Yeah!
Hope they get a350s again soon, saa were my favourite a350 livery while they had them
@@Flightradar24DotCom Your Awesome Gabriel keep up the great work! Huge fan of yours here.. Do you live in the U.S?? As a Frequent flyer on United one day you should do a United video? I been a frequent flyer on United for years here in the U.S
I live in Sweden but was born in the US. Will definitely do a United video at some point, on my channel. Behind the scenes and special access very difficult with the US airlines so probably won’t happen on this channel! But you never know I guess.
😂😂😂😂😂
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.
Proud to see the South African ladies at work ❤
Very strong people and kudos to the lovely girls ❤
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 ❤
That is very nice to hear!
This plane actually flew over my house and it was so cool seeing an A340 for the first time in my life.
Nice!
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!
Such a competent lady pilot. Very comfortable with her work despite being filmed 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿
She has been doing it for long
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! 😊
yes maybe 1 day. my father and stepmother have been. cheers from Oz 😊
Me too! Felt very emotional most of the video!!
A reference to the old call sign, which was short for flying springbok. The old SAL
@@johanvanzyl4567 yes we know that. It is however still the call sign, just like BA is still 'speedbird"
That was such a cool moment yeah! Also Springbok has gotta be one of my favorite callsigns out there.
It’s nice to see SAA flying back to Perthfontein❤️❤️ Well done Captain Vusi, Asnat Moeng & team 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦
Proud of everyone involved! Strong, capable, smart and patriotic 🙌🏾✨
i was on this flight..what a friendly service received...
Well done to all, enjoyed watching.🇿🇦 🌍 Special shout out to Zimbabweans watching, hope Air Zimbabwe flies to the UK again. 🇿🇼
yesssir
💯
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 ❤❤❤
Amazing! And yes I agree with the last point. 🙂
As a South African aviation KZheadr, it’s great too see our countries airline get recognition like this 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦
South African aviatior about to sub
Thanks a lot! Amazing country 🇿🇦
@@aireditionYour a great filmer!! Im a young avgeek who one day dreams of becoming a flight reviewer.. Keep it up
I am about to sub to your channel…Dankie!
The two pilots are one of the most professional pairings I’ve come across.
Felt so proud when a few years ago, the lady pilot was in a store where I was, in her uniform. So glad to see her in the cockpit!!
Excellent pilots indeed!
They are yesss
@@user-sv9ym2ub7qShe’s The First Black Woman To Qualify As A Pilot In SA
Great to see the technical support team . The unsung heroes of commercial aviation
And all the ladies in the team too!!
Yeah for sure!
That climb up into the flight deck is awesome
Highlight of 2024 for us haha
New to aircraft..?
This is the fastest way to get to Aussie land from Africa without leaving the continent. Well done SAA
"We are the stars of South Africa!" Man- the enthusiasm of the entire ground and air crew is amazing!!!
Welcome back SAA. Hope you regain your former glory. Africa needs you.
"We are the stars of South Africa". All the technical team, such high professionalism yet all their personalities shine through. Love them!
Yes!
This has to be the quickest 40-minute video I've ever watched. Great content.
The atc saying “welkom terug” and fo saying “baie dankie” back in Afrikaans was emotional 🇿🇦 😢
Emotional for who? You think people care about speaking Dutch? It was insulting. They should have greeted them in Xhosa
@@nicknametoolong Why? They used language they were comfortable with. Add to that the fact that we have 10 other spoken languages other than English, all recognised as official. Embrace your history and move on like other developed nations such as, believe it or not, England, Italy, etc which were once invadedand occupied by external forces and ruled by foreigners. This doesn't mean we should forget the atrocities of that era.
Afrikaans was the language that very nearly destroyed South Africa, it is nothing to be proud of
I hear you. It’s just a pity that if the pilots had spoken in a language other than English or Afrikaans, it is likely there would be silence on the other end. Building bridges in SA is often one-way traffic.
Oh man! Great to see children of Africa doing good work. Thanks for covering the journey. ❤
It was so much fun!
South Africa is also one of my favourite countries
Proudly South African🇿🇦, its so nice to see our national carrier flying to different continents again🎉🎉🎉
Honored to have been along for the ride! 🇿🇦🇿🇦
This is what equalling the playing fields is all about. During the Apartheid era, the closest a black person could get to an aircraft was a baggage handler -- and that baggage handler would have been supervised by an 18-year-old white person. Neither could a black person be a flight attendant, or work at the counter -- except, of course, to clean it. SAA still has a long way to go, it still needs to stamp out corruption and become stable, but hopefully, it will become better for everyone looking for a wonderful career in aviation -- regardless of colour.
Well said
Thank you for your kind words, wish we could all see it this way.
Thanku for these words. Well put
Absolutely. Well said.
This! And yet KZhead videos are full of comments from wazzocks who claim that South Africa used to be first world and is now third world. The fact is that non-white people can do so many things that they couldn't do during Apartheid. My wife does something she couldn't possibly have done under the old regime.
This is exciting to watch! Proudly South African Airways.
Welkom terug Springbok....baie dankie. good to hear South africans working at Perth ATC
That was fun yeah.
It warmed my heart to hear it.
I loved how experienced the crew is. The pilot is definitely a veteran, he knew he needed some more time after the V1 for a smoother takeoff. You can tell if you know about the A340. The first officer is very active and very vigilant.
I still wonder why they put those small engines on such a behemoth, it's a little bit sluggish but a majestic aircraft...
The engine choice was down to a particular technical limitation of the time. They offer less power but they do the job!
Gabriel is pretty great, does a wonderful work, so dang personable. His videos make my week. 🙂
Thank you so much!
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!!!
Beautiful. Very proud to watch this as South African and aviation fanatic.
This is easily one of the best videos you guys have posted. I love how much detail was covered in the video. It is also great to see how much this airline treats everyone like family while still having a professional attitude, It is good to see fun in the workplace. I hope to see South African Airways back here in London 🙏😊
Thank you so much! Agree it was so nice to see the mix of professional competence and happiness/good energy!
The very first A340 I ever saw was an SAA bird at Dulles Airport in Washington, DC in late June 2001. Thought it was a lovely plane then and still do. Especially loved the cockpit view of take off and landing. Thanks.
You know, as an older Blk American, it does my heart good to see "professional" Blk people, in the airline industry....as pilots!!👍🛫 Too bad this only occurs in foreign countries, instead of America. I guess those folks here, in America, are not too bright, to become pilots.
It takes time for black folks to be recognized as competent in almost every industry. We still get white folks who discriminate and say they'll never fly SAA again since its indigenous people doing maintenance and even flying nowadays.
Very interesting comment regarding your country folk. At SAA the Pilot s union maintained world quality standards regarding pilot proficiency. That function now lies with SAA HR. Only time will tell to what extent the Affirmative action has impacted on the standards.
Unfortunately this is still quite rare in SA. I fly with them regularly and the pilots are nearly always white men. But things are improving, slowly but surely.
@@robertdavidson6354 affirmative action in SAA ??????
My god. The Airbus A340 is also one of my favorite aircraft. I wish i wanted to spot and flown onboard the A340. As of April 2024, 63 A340-300 are still in active service including Lufthansa, Swiss, Edelweiss, and South African Airways. This is one of the best👍 videos that i've ever watched in Flightradar24 this year.
Thank you! And yep, A340 is such a beauty.
The A340 looks so groomed and clean as if it were brand new.
Haha. Let us be honest.
She’s in great shape!
Indeed it was nice to visually fly along with a very professional crew on an aging A340. The Airbus quad-engined 340 will fade away due to the much more efficient two engine A350 making this wistful video even more enjoyable. The pre-departure dancing was also a highlight for me ! Thanks - Jim.
There's something remarkable about that rainbow tail and wings 😍 Fantastic flight you had with the lovely crew 💯 SAA definitely getting its crown back 👏🏻
I love that rainbow nation tail too 😊
Glad to see you back in the skies.much 🫶🏾 from 🇰🇪
Landing on runway 03 in Perth means you probably would have flown over my house on approach. I saw the South African A340-300 fly over my house on Friday, I couldn't believe my eyes, first time I've seen an A340-300 in a few years. I also remember a good few years back when South African Airways flew the A340-600s to Perth, I miss those.
Wow this beautiful… Proudly South African 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦
South African people are very nice and hospitable
Thank you - we are.
Very happy to see this South African
The glorious A340❤. Not a soul has been lost as a result of an accident or incident in the history of this aircraft.
As a South African, I feel so ashamed that I haven't flown on SAA 😢 But hopefully SAA's route to London resumes
loved this video, good to see SAA back & thank you for featuring my country and my people
It was a pleasure, I am such a big fan of 🇿🇦 and especially its people
Thank so much for this fabulous video! It was so great to watch from the cockpit! May our dear SAA go from strength to strength! Love our country!
🎉
We are the stars of South Africa! YES, YOU ARE! Keep shining.
Classic touch of updating passengers about where they are enroute to a destination, which is a seller for me. Well done and keep it up!!!
Yes I always appreciate that!
Amazing! We had family on the "reverse inaugural" from Perth to Johannesburg. Great to see these venerable aircraft still flying.
Hey Paul, glad you enjoyed it!
This take me back to the good old days. Thank you for the back pass to these glorious airline. Taking Africa to the world and the world to Africa
As a Boeing fan I have to say, I'm a little envious. That A340 is a beautiful airplane!. Congratulations SAA & Airbus.
Their version (looks wise at least), of the old Boeing 707s and Douglas DC8s !!
Really pleased to see the SAA A340 back here in Perth! If I'd known FR24 was onboard, I'd have waved as you flew by! Great to see the pride the tech crew all take in their work, while still looking like they really enjoy their jobs.
Yeah it was great to see them doing their thing!
Welcome to Perth, Australia's prettiest, safest and cleanest city....what an awesome video, how fortunate your are to have an all access pass behind the scenes...the SAA technicians and crew were so professional & nice and accommodating ... hope the gentlemen gets his inaugural flight to London, soon
Thank you for watching. I loved Perth as well!
love how FlightRadar24 is looking at the operations as well. takes a lot to put an airplane in the air, for sure!!
Yes it's always super interesting to look at that side!
Proudly South African, great job SAA🎉
On my last Emirates flight from ORT, I met a fellow passenger who said he was flying to Perth. Poor guy had to go all the way to Dubai and then Perth. The shedding of time will be a welcome relief: 8 hour flight followed by a 2 hour layover and then boarding, finally flying DXB to Perth. I hope they open up more routes soon because the June school holidays are coming up and lots of families fly overseas during this time. Having 1-way flights is such a relief!
They've added three A320CEO planes to their fleet this week
@@MGS923 Wonderful news! I do hope that SAA becomes profitable
I don't know why the algorithm brought me here but damn, I am glad it did. Your is so professional and I am glad SAA is lowly getting back to its feet.
Thank you algorithm and thank you for leaving a comment!
Thank you for this backstage pass of SAA😊 to Perth
Our pleasure!
WOW!....This is exactly what i love to watch re aviation, the behind the scenes of all those tech support team & all the work they have to carry-out before a plane is given the all go ahead to fly., great to see South African Airways flying from Johannesburg to Perth & all the awesome flight crew. Thumbs-Up👍✈
I can't explain why, but I was quite moved watching this video; there is something beautiful about such technology and thank you for sharing it,.
I felt very emotional most of the video!!!
That’s great to hear!
The technical team.... I love them... ama 2k mos la... 😂😂😂😂😂. The future.. Ma 2000.. I don't know what it is about this generation, they Crack me the hell up... 😂😂😂 I truly adore them a lot
easily the best flight vlog I have seen, thankyou
Glad you enjoyed it!
Amazing video and great to see SAA reclaiming their position as number 1 in the skies!! One day I'll be on their inaugural flights
You got me at Springbok 280 heavy, welcome back to Perth. 🇿🇦🇿🇦
😀
This video just reminded me of the dream I once had of becoming a airline pilot😢Top notch content. Also great to see SAA flying again.
Thank you for showcasing SAA and for visiting South Africa. Great video. 🇿🇦✈️
Thank you! Can’t wait to return.
So happy South African is making a comeback. Be still, my proud South African heart. ❤❤❤
Wow an A340-300!!! It brings back so many memories as this aircraft was my very 1st flight ever from Chile to New Zealand back in 2005. The A343 will always have a special meaning in my life ❤
Nice to hear! It’s a very special airplane.
Springbok 280! What a call sign, i love it👌🏾
Another epic one Gab! I'm now this close to book my next vacations to South Africa! Cheers! Thanks!
Used to live on JFK approach and loved being woken by SA203 at about 5:30 am. That was the even more beautiful A346 too.
Ooh yeah what a beauty!
Thank you for this lovely video. Brought a few tears to my eyes, hopefully SAA can just get stronger from here
So glad I was not the only one getting really emotional watching this video. So glad for SAA and for our country!
I am so pleased to hear that people felt this way watching it!
@airedition South africa and its people have so much potential, if we work and build together!
I was all smiles watching this video. Great to the behind the scenes of such an exciting operation. I hope SAA is here to stay
CONGRATULATIONS TO SOUTH AFRICA 🇿🇦 👏..CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE CREW AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT TEAM 👏 🙌 THIS SHOWS THAT WE AFRICANS ARE AS CAPABLE AS ANY OTHER NATIONALITY...❤🎉😊
I'm in Perth and have missed the SAA coming in over the Indian Ocean and watch them fly the DME right past my house in Warwick.
Welcome back! Qantas have been milking the route since resuming service post covid. I'll definitely be supporting SAA in the future.
It's nice to see that the number of Black pilots is growing 🙏🏾♥️
A very professional video and the SAA team were excellent well done South Africa
40 minutes just went by 😢😢... truly enjoyed this one
Terrific video, Gabriel... thank you. Nice to see SAA finally spreading it's wings again!
Thank you!
I love south africa ❤
Proudly South African- great video and it's great to see SAA up and about again all the best.
Good to see the comeback of SAA
SAA THE BEST AIRLINE IN AFRICA AND THE WORLD …. :) I’M VERY HAPPY AND PROUD OF SAA BACK AGAIN WE MISS YOU SO MUCH LOOKING FOWARD TO SEE SAA AIRCRAFT ALL OVER THE WORLD WITH THE SOUTH AFRICAN FLAG REPRESENTING US ..PLEASE MAKE US PROUD AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN … YOU REPRESENTE OUR CONTINENT … HAPPY TOF AND LANDINGS
I love that ladies get to do what men do ❤️ … mechanical engineering stuff it’s amazing
Brilliant video! Great to travel Jo'burg to Perth without leaving my chair! Loved the close up shots around the plane during prep. Landing gear shots were amazing!
What a great technical team. Knowledgeable and having a fun attitude probably makes their work day seem short. My kind of folks.
Such a beautiful aircraft, love the A340 🥰🤩
4 engines wide body.. what a treat! Lovely flight start to finish; the crew was very professional and likable at the same time. loving it... Welcome back SAA!!
Really love such vlogs especially the ones with cockpit footage, A350 check, A340 check hoping to see many more cheers and good job
Thanks a ton!
Seriously, an aircraft with four engines is damn gorgeous! Thank you, Gabriel! As usual, awesome reporting. The "SpringBok" takes flight once again!
Thank you for the insight into what goes on in these flights, as well as the excellence of the African team.
Amazing! Thank you for these great insights :)
Thanks a lot, really glad you enjoyed it!
Wow! It's like I was actually in the plane myself. How exciting! Thank you bro for this post I really enjoyed it. The Ausies speaking in Afrikaans was heart warming I can't lie. This is a beautiful content and such an exciting thing to see young black technical team doing their job so efficiently. It's amazing because just 30 years ago no body would have imagined that young black females would ever be carrying such huge responsibilities. My country is growing with it teething challenges but we are caching up with the rest of the world as black South Africans. Thank you my brother for this post❤
So glad you enjoyed it!
@@Flightradar24DotCom Enjoyed is an understatement. I was thrilled bro