My recent journey from Perth to Johannesburg with South African Airways was a unique experience—one that defied modern aviation trends. In an era where new aircraft and private suites dominate, this flight was the complete opposite of what most travelers seek. I boarded a 20-year-old Airbus A340-300, a magnificent four-engine rarity that has become a unicorn of the skies. For any aviation enthusiast, the thrill of flying this near-extinct aircraft was the highlight itself. SAA’s regular, five-times-a-week service is the only direct connection between Western Australia and South Africa, making it not just a nostalgic trip but a vital link. The overnight schedule was also perfectly timed for a red-eye journey. Without further ado, get on board with me to experience the South African flight.
Flight Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Flight No. | SA281 |
| Origin | Perth (PER) |
| Destination | Johannesburg (JNB) |
| Aircraft | A340-300 (ZS-SXF) |
| Booking Class | Business |
| Seat | 3A |
| Flight Time | 11h 53m |
| Departure | 11:49 PM (1m early) |
| Arrival | 5:42 AM (27m late) |
| Date | AUG, 2025 |
| Cost | AUD 96.18 + 78,000 Velocity Points |
The Hard Product
Stepping into the business class cabin felt like entering a different era. The 2-2-2 configuration immediately signaled that this was not a modern, all-aisle-access product. From my window seat, if I had a neighbour, I would have needed to use the small footstep to cross over when their seat was in the lie-flat position. Luckily for me, I don't have a neighbour this time, which means I have free access to the aisle.
The seat itself, while "past-its-prime," was surprisingly functional. The controls on the armrest offered various adjustments, including a massage function—a nice touch for its time, though it was quite noisy. The in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, stowed in the armrest, felt a bit dated. The touchscreen wasn't very responsive, and the screen size was small compared to today's standards. While the selection of movies, TV shows, and music wasn't vast, there was enough to keep me occupied on this red-eye flight. The seat can recline into an angle-flat position, which, while not a true lie-flat bed, was comfortable enough for a few hours of sleep. It is also worth mentioning that there are no USB charging ports in this seat, so remember to bring an adapter with you on board if you wish to charge your phones during the flight.
In-Flight Dining
There are 2 main meals served during this flight - dinner service after take-off and breakfast before landing.
For dinner, I opted to begin with a hearty tomato soup, along with some garlic breads. I have chosen a chicken dish for the main course, which unfortunately I didn't quite enjoy because of some subtle but weird flavour. The meal concluded with a mango passionfruit cheesecake. It was light and balanced sweetness with a tartness, making it a decent end to the meal.
For breakfast, an hour before landing, a simple spread of muesli, yogurt, and fresh fruit was served. For the beverage, I highly recommend hot honey lemon. It's truly a hidden gem for flying, as the honey soothes the throat in the dry cabin air, and the lemon provides a dose of Vitamin C. This drink makes you feel good!
Soft Service and Amenities
The soft service had its own unique character. The crew were friendly, but their service style was not particularly proactive. Nontheless, they are more than happy to accommodate your request if you ask. A couple of amenities were missing as well; the flight attendant explained that amenity kits were out of stock, and there are food or drink menus provided on this flight. On a positive note, the lavatory was kept clean throughout the flight and was well-stocked with Aigner-branded lotion and SAA-branded soap and hand sanitizer.
Final Thoughts
This flight on the South African Airways A340-300 was a truly memorable experience. It's not a flight for those seeking the latest in luxury and technology. Instead, it offers a pragmatic and efficient connection with a unique twist. The hard product is a comfortable relic, the dining is good, and the soft service is what you make of it. Ultimately, the thrill of flying on such a rare aircraft made it a special journey that I'll cherish.
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