South African Airways Rolls Out Online Booking System
South African Airways this past fall unveiled a new online booking product for small and medium-size companies that includes travel management tools and tracking mechanisms. The system, similar to small business products at numerous U.S. and foreign carriers, complements business traveler conveniences now being deployed throughout the long-haul fleet.
SAA said its "saabiz" small business site follows the success of leisure-oriented online booking capabilities. It allows enrolled companies to set parameters for employee travel, including permissible class of service, maximum allowable airfare spend and other client-specific information related to car and hotel bookings.
Each company must designate a travel manager to set such policies. However several designated travel assistants can book flights and handle other arrangements. Key for corporate travel managers are 24 different travel management reports provided by saabiz that detail corporate travel activity.
In terms of the onboard product, SAA currently is refurbishing its entire Boeing 747-400 fleet with the Millennium Product, an upgrade that touches all three classes. Though some aircraft already feature the improved product, the upgraded amenities will be available on the entire 747 fleet by the end of the summer.
In first class, private suites include electronically controlled lie-flat beds, 29 inches in width. Also included are ottomans, extra large dining tables, in-seat power laptop supply, in-seat phone and personal 8.6-inch television screens with P@ssport's on-demand audiovisual entertainment system.
Business class seats will have five additional inches of pitch, a deeper recline, lumbar support and adjustable headrests. Business passengers also will have the P@ssport system.
In economy, SAA is increasing seat pitch to 34 inches on the upper deck and 31 inches downstairs. P@ssport audiovisual entertainment systems will be featured on 6.8-inch screens.
Though the carrier is retooling its B747 fleet, SAA just this month opted for Airbus aircraft for its fleet renewal plan. The decision to go with Airbus was based on lower operating costs and improved product offerings, according to SAA president and CEO André Viljoen. "The new fleet will give us flexibility to deploy it on most of our network and routes," he said. "It also gives SAA 10 percent more seat capacity."
Older Boeing 747s, 767s and 737s over the next eight years will be replaced with Airbus 340-600s, 340-300s, 319-100s and 320-200s. The total list price for the new planes is $3.5 billion, though SAA said it negotiated favorable terms. The first new planes will be delivered by year-end.