Aviation

FlySafair blazes trail with new aviation innovation

FlySafair blazes trail with new aviation innovation

Johannesburg, 1 April 2018. South African low-cost carrier, FlySafair, has today unveiled a new innovation that is sure to take global aviation by storm. FlySafair has been widely commended for having changed the South African domestic aviation industry for the better.

Since launching in October 2014, the airline has managed to reduce fares on some routes by as much as 32% and has been rated the most on-time airline in the world for two consecutive seasons by international aviation data company, OAG.

The airline has also been recognised as a true innovator, having been the first to launch a fully-responsive website to optimise the mobile sales experience, as well as the first in South Africa to accept credit card payments for catering purchases during flight. But FlySafair clearly isn’t done yet.

“This latest innovation is very exciting to us, because it not only helps us to provide better service for our customers, but it also puts a truly South African mark on the face of global aviation,” says Kirby Gordon, Head of Silliness and Distraction at FlySafair.

“Keeping our costs as low as possible has always been a key focus for us and this solution was right in front of us all along. Like literally right in front of us – attached to the Fortuner on the R24 heading to the airport,” says Gordon.

In a bid to reduce weight on board from luggage, the airline has partnered with aviation engineering company, VentertjieVlieg, to develop an aircraft trailer that can be hitched to Boeing 737 aircraft. Inspired by the iconic South African Venter Trailer and complete with wings and a vertical stabiliser, the trailer allows for luggage to be removed from the aircraft hold and placed in the trailer, effectively reducing the load on the aircraft.

Aviation

Boeing Faces New Setbacks as 777X Delays Extend and scraps B767-300F

Boeing’s challenges continue as employees halted production due to a strike, creating new obstacles for delivering aircraft to customers. The company now faces financial losses from delays in the delivery of its boeing 777x aircraft.

Boeing recently announced that the new delivery date for the 777-9 will be in 2026, with the freighter variant scheduled for 2028. This news has been frustrating for airlines that have committed to and are waiting for the aircraft.

Mega Comparison of Boeing 777x vs A350-1000 Aircraft

The Boeing 777X program, which began in early 2019, was initially delayed to 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions. Subsequent issues, including defects found during testing, have placed the program under scrutiny by the FAA, which insists on the aircraft meeting all safety standards before entering service. Boeing is now facing pressure from both airlines and investors.

Boeing 777x Delay

New Commercial Airplanes expects to incur pre-tax charges of $3.0 billion related to the Boeing 777X and 767 programs.

The company forecasts a $2.6 billion pre-tax charge due to the updated timeline, which accounts for delays in flight testing for the 777-9 and the impact of the IAM (International Association of Machinists) work stoppage. The first 777-9 delivery is now expected in 2026, with the 777-8 freighter following in 2028.

Exploring the Boeing 777x: Highlights from the Debut at …

In addition, Boeing plans to conclude production of the 767 freighter, resulting in a $0.4 billion pre-tax charge. From 2027 onwards, the company will solely produce the 767-2C aircraft for the KC-46A Tanker program.

In August 2024, Boeing grounded its 777X test fleet after detecting a failure in a key engine mounting structure during a routine inspection. The new boeing 777x, powered by the GE9X engine, is the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, but this issue has caused further setbacks.

Boeing 777x, A close-up of the engine, landing gear, and wing

Comparison of 777x vs A350

Meanwhile, the Airbus A350 continues to secure new orders from airlines, becoming a strong competitor in the wide-body aircraft segment. While the a350 vs b777 offer similar ranges, the 777X is designed to carry a heavier payload.

In other developments, Boeing has hinted at starting production of a new mid-sized aircraft, the Boeing 797, which would likely compete with the Airbus A321 XLR.