The response I got said they were going to increase the seat spacing, reduce the size of the entertainment control boxes and change size of the tv screens. I consider that a positive statement and have no real doubts they will follow up. American greatly improved their spacing reducing capacity and seem to have been successful so why not SAA. The 747 fleet seems to be shrinking and I seem to see fewer in Jo'burg than in the past.

November 3, 2004

South African Airways (SAA) deputy chief executive Oyama Mabandla has resigned to pursue personal business interests, the airline said on Wednesday.

Mabandla's resignation comes as the state-owned carrier is battling its worst financial crisis after losing 8.6 billion rand (USD$1.39 billion) before tax in its last financial year due to an ill-fated decision to hedge against the rand.

He will leave Africa's biggest airline at the end of the current fiscal year which runs to March 31, 2005. Mabandla's departure follows that of former chief executive Andre Viljoen in August and chief financial officer Richard Forson in October last year. Mabandla was appointed the airline's deputy chief executive in November last year.

"I wish to take this opportunity to recognize Mr Mabandla's immense contribution to SAA especially in the transitional period when he had to exercise leadership leading to this point in our history as an airline," CEO Khaya Ngqula said in a statement.

Mabandla said he would be pursuing business interests "to take advantage of the economic tide that is sweeping our country".

I have heard of folks going from Detroit to Spain. They over night in Spain the on to Jo'brg the next day. From the reports I've heard there aren't any gun problems and the trip is easier and I think maybe a bit cheaper.

Y'all might want to check it out.

No more saa for this buckaroo. Its europe or bust. Steve at gracy is booking BA through London and arriving early in the am at joberg.