The Bombardier Unveiled

South African Airways Express (SAX) first took to the skies on April 24th 1994 and has since become one of the fastest growing regional airlines in Africa, flying over 120 000 passengers each month across 11 domestic routes, and 4 regional routes. A new aircraft is now a proud member of the SAX fleet family. This addition is not only a first for South Africa, but also a first for the African continent.

At an extravagant luncheon held at the SAFAIR hangar on May 10th, SAX literally rolled out the red carpet as dignitaries and airline executives gathered to the beat of drums and the echo of 300 excited voices.

With entertainment provided by the Soweto Gospel Choir and South African born singer/songwriter Zamajobe, guests were wined and dined in true SAX hospitality. The luncheon was held together by captivating commentary from Master of Ceremonies, Candace Moodley.

Guests were kept in suspense as a lively tale was told by renowned South African story teller Gcina Mhlope, who breathed life into SAX’s newest fleet family member by weaving her tale of a child born into South Africa, who looked up to the skies and stretched his arms, ready to fly. This child is of course, South African Express Airways. As the drumbeats reached a crescendo, smoke filled the aircraft hangar and light poured in from outside, guests and dignitaries got their first glimpse of SAX’s new investment. In rolled the gleaming white aircraft, neatly tied with a bright red bow: the Bombardier Q400; the world’s most advanced turboprop aircraft.

In her welcoming address, SAX CEO Siza Mzimela praised the new addition to the SAX fleet. “SAX is one of the fastest growing regional and feeder airlines in South Africa. We aim to constantly express excellence and our drive towards this excellence has resulted in this momentous acquisition,” Mzimela said. She articulated her belief that as the South African competitive landscape changes, SAX itself needs to change, and develop a better product to meet the needs of its clients, which is exactly what the Bombardier Q400 represents.
Bombardier Vice President of Sales, Kevin Smith, who regards this event as significant in the history of SAX said: “We at Bombardier are delighted that yet another world-ranking operator, in the form of SAX, has been added to the roster of internationally recognised airlines that will be flying and operating the Q400.”

SAX Chairman Stavros Nicolaou conveyed the airline’s gratitude to those involved in the making of this ‘African first’. He rightfully expressed that in South Africa today, there is the realisation that our country continues to enjoy uninterrupted economic growth. In his opinion, the aviation industry plays a pivotal role in this growth and will continue to do so for years to come.

The Q400 has received rave reviews from airlines operating the aircraft in North America, Europe and Australasia. SAX is Africa’s first ever launch customer for the Q400, taking the Airline even closer to reaching its goal of having the most fuel-efficient fleet on the continent. The Q400 will fly passengers on the Johannesburg-Bloemfontein route and as of July, also on the Johannesburg-George route.

SAX executives are confident that the new Q400 aircraft will help boost tourism and they are proud to be the carrier of choice for large numbers of passengers flying to such destinations as the Garden Route and the Free State. The Q400 is configured to carry 74 passengers and boasts the lowest seat-mile costs of any regional airliner.

The Q400 provides a new level of capabilities and passenger comfort and SAX executives are most excited to have added it to their fleet. The interior of the aircraft is spacious and light, with enough legroom for even the tallest passengers. It also boasts a bigger luggage compartment for travellers who require more storage space. The aircraft features an advanced noise and vibration suppression system, with soft-mounted interior components, sidewalls and floor panels specifically engineered to stop propeller reverberation, making it the quietest turboprop cabin in the sky.

Capable of a maximum cruise speed of 667km/h at a height of 7 520m, the Q400 has the same block times as aircraft like the Boeing 737 jet, although it burns less than half as much fuel. It is because of this that the Q400 has replaced larger aircraft on several routes and why it is a staunch competitor to jet-propelled aircraft on other routes.

The interior design, comfort, speed and exceptional economics of the Bombardier Q400 give it a substantial economic advantage over any other aircraft in its class. “The aircraft has very good economics and is the perfect fit for our local and regional routes. It is the most economical and comfortable turboprop aircraft in the world,” concluded SAX CEO, Siza Mzimela.