SAA has confirmed that there is “no deal” in place for acquiring new long-haul aircraft.
SAA spokesperson, Tlali Tlali, told Tourism Update that at the moment there was no deal in place but that there was a need to initiate a process that would lead to the acquisition of the wide-body fleet.
“There are a number of factors one needs to take into account leading to a decision of which aircraft to acquire. It is therefore a bit premature to even refer to aeroplane type from the two manufacturing companies,” said Tlali.
A press statement by Airbus said it was proposing its new A350XWB to SAA for its future long-haul fleet.  Airbus also said Ethiopian Airlines had ordered the A350XWB for its fleet modernisation. 
Tlali said once all the relevant processes had been concluded and information was received, the airline could be in a position to share information as to what deal would result.