South African Airways has introduced its new Airbus A330-300 on the Washington DC route, but the new configuration will see a decrease in capacity.

The 249-seat aircraft has 46 seats in Premium Business Class and 203 in Economy Class, whereas the A340-600s that used to operate the route feature 317 seats – 42 in Premium Business Class and 275 in Economy Class.

SAA’s Head of Media Relations, Tlali Tlali, said aircraft deployment was based on demand and if there was an upsurge, the airline had aircraft available and would respond accordingly. He said decisions were based on the efficiency of operations, informed by demand, and deployment of the right-sized equipment.

Acting CEO for SAA, Musa Swane said: “Customers will be pleased with the latest-generation on-board amenities and other cabin features of the A330-300s. They certainly offer customers an improved travel experience.”

SAA Executive Vice President of the Americas, Todd Neuman, said: “With a new and innovative Premium Business Class product and a spacious and enhanced Economy Class cabin, SAA continues to provide world-class service to our customers both in the air and on the ground.”

Premium Business Class offers flat-bed seats with direct aisle access, gourmet meals, award-winning South African wines, and on-demand entertainment system, noise-cancelling headphones, and power and USB ports at every seat.

In Economy Class there are newly designed slim-line seats, with an increase in leg-room and personal space. Each seat is equipped with USB and PC power ports, with on-demand entertainment system featuring a 25cm touch screen.