Airline fleet changes

[Airplaneguy9]

Speaking of Airlink, ZS-YAX is currently operating her first test flight since an engine failure on her last flight on 5 March 2023.

I can confirm ZS-YAX has been repainted with 4Z colors. Flew her on my flight from JNB to WVB on 05MAR23 but had to return to JNB due to issues with its number 2 engine. Hasn't flown since then per FR24. Anyone has news on its status?

[GLF4]

I flew -YZA on Sunday evening JNB-GRJ...the seat lay-out seemed different with 11 Business class seats (same as the E195s?)

Was on -YZD Friday evening, was all-economy lay-out

It seems aircraft are keeping the same configuration as the previous operators.

ZSYZD/E ex-Azul = 106 all economy
ZS-YZA/C (I assume the 3rd aircraft will become YZB) ex Aeromexico = 11 Business + 88 Economy

Is there a shortage of seats for LNK to re-configure the cabin? Must be a scheduling nightmare.

[GL]

Speaking of Airlink, ZS-YAX is currently operating her first test flight since an engine failure on her last flight on 5 March 2023.

Any idea why it took 11 months for an engine change - return to service?

[Airplaneguy9]

Any idea why it took 11 months for an engine change - return to service?

Speculation on my end, but reasons could include
- Lack of parts
- No demand
- Extended check
- Maybe the engine failure was the catalyst for a host of other problems on the aircraft
among others. I'm sure someone closer to Airlink can give a proper reason.

[Airplaneguy9]

I assume the 3rd aircraft will become YZB

Your guess was correct! Your prize of R1 million in unpaid ticket revenue will be waiting at the nearest traffic department.

[pvspots]

Seems like ZS-YAX just had another issue today. Anyone knows the reason for the diversion back to CPT?

Speaking of Airlink, ZS-YAX is currently operating her first test flight since an engine failure on her last flight on 5 March 2023.

I can confirm ZS-YAX has been repainted with 4Z colors. Flew her on my flight from JNB to WVB on 05MAR23 but had to return to JNB due to issues with its number 2 engine. Hasn't flown since then per FR24. Anyone has news on its status?

[Airplaneguy9]

Seems like ZS-YAX just had another issue today. Anyone knows the reason for the diversion back to CPT?

Not sure. They sent ZS-YAA to cover. However, it looks like she's back in service again today. Weird.

New registration! C5-TEY, ex-TF-BBJ with Bluebird Nordic and VH-TJK with Qantas, is a Boeing 737-400SF that Africa Charter Airline recently took delivery of.

[GLF4]

Seems like ZS-YAX just had another issue today. Anyone knows the reason for the diversion back to CPT?

Not sure. They sent ZS-YAA to cover. However, it looks like she's back in service again today. Weird.

New registration! C5-TEY, ex-TF-BBJ with Bluebird Nordic and VH-TJK with Qantas, is a Boeing 737-400SF that Africa Charter Airline recently took delivery of.

Sadly C5-TEY arrived at a crap time so no photo's.

[GLF4]

ZS-CMD CRJ2 of Cemair now has billboard AVIS titles.

[Airplaneguy9]

ZS-CMD CRJ2 of Cemair now has billboard AVIS titles.

Passing on the torch...


image credit Jens Brokuf/Jetphotos

[Airplaneguy9]

Air Zim is getting a new E145.


image credit Roberto Gorini/Jetphotos

[HarryC]

CRJ900 msn 15081 reg N15081arrived ORT early this morning on deliveryto CemAir.

[TGRK]

Safairs FGA and FGB are done. Will be getting OE shortly then off for cargo conversion for ASL.

[Airplaneguy9]

Safairs FGA and FGB are done. Will be getting OE shortly then off for cargo conversion for ASL.

Very sad to see them go . They were one of the oldest operating -800s in the world.

In other news:
- SAA's A333 ZS-SXJ has been in service since Feb 4,
- We have images of that new AVIS livery on CRJ2 ZS-CMD:

photo credit Julio Carrancho/Facebook

[Airplaneguy9]

Safairs FGA and FGB are done. Will be getting OE shortly then off for cargo conversion for ASL.

I think this is them