@@Flightradar24DotCom Your Awesome Gabriel keep up the great work! Huge fan of yours here.. Do you live in the U.S?? As a Frequent flyer on United one day you should do a United video? I been a frequent flyer on United for years here in the U.S
I live in Sweden but was born in the US. Will definitely do a United video at some point, on my channel. Behind the scenes and special access very difficult with the US airlines so probably won’t happen on this channel! But you never know I guess.
... ...and hopefully SAA will be able to return to its former glory without the mismanagement and looting As an ex-cabin attendant I did the Jhb/Mru/Per/Sydney run on several occasions . Good flights do to due to long stopover for crew. Best of success for SAA
Our government should start realizing how many people, young and old are affected by the decision made on their behalf. Its heart warming seeing those young technicians smiling again and those pilots back doing what they love. Let's Love our country guys, its all we have, our only home, we need to protect it.
We still can not forgive SAA for the billions the tax-payers had to pay to rescue them. Again, and again, and again. I will never fly with SAA again. How long they need another twenty billion?
At minute 36.11 when the Perth control tower suddenly said 'Welkom terug Springbok', I could just not control my tears! How fabulous!! Thanks Perth! (And our lovely Co-Pilot responded with a 'Baie dankie'!. Oh, I am so proud of you all and our country!!!
I lived and worked in the DR Congo for 11 years. The old Kinahasa had an open viewing deck. I will never forget the feeling of seeing my country's flag touch down... it always felt that they came specifically for me. To take ME home. I love my airline... the moment you step onboard, you're home already. Nobody smiles like a South African ❤❤❤
Man, I love aviation! I am not a pilot or even work in aviation but I am a fan regardless. This video makes me see the professionalism of the SAA staff and I will definitely use SAA when I visit my brother in NZ! Well done, guys!
Hhey ntombi this brought back such great memories! I can't not think of Dudu makukhulunywa ngePerth....good to see you la kuma comments. Well done team SAA, forever yena!🎉🎉🎉 Love, Thanda😊❤
This was my first time watching your channel. As a 54-year-young South African, it's great (and quite emotional) to see our national carrier back in action. As long as previous corruption and incompetence is kept at bay, there's no reason why SAA shouldn't return to being the best airline in the world again. Well done to the pilot and crew for your dedication in a job well done! And thanks, Gabriel, for airing this momentous occasion.
Oh wow... that controller saying "welkom terug, Springbok" brought a lump to my throat. My complex yet beautiful country with its warm hearts... come on Aussies, hop onboard and come visit us! 😊
One cannot describe the sense of pride as a South African old woman to see our brave young women taking off on long- haul flights sitting in the flight deck. I love, love, love it.
I’m so so so proud! I don’t know how many times a shed a tear or two watching this. We are a country full of issues, but we are determined to strive and rise above all adversities. I am forever grateful for being a South African!!!!! 🇿🇦
This is easily one of the best videos you guys have posted. I love how much detail was covered in the video. It is also great to see how much this airline treats everyone like family while still having a professional attitude, It is good to see fun in the workplace. I hope to see South African Airways back here in London 🙏😊
This is the type of content Airlines should be catching for, just seeing the genuine professionalism and love that all that staff are having doing their "jobs" make me feel secure and confident choosing travel with SAA and I even live there or close there 😅. Dude, amazing vid, you, as always, are in the right pulse. Greetings from Dominican Republic 🇩🇴
She is in good company with many black female pilots who have emerged since around 1999. I think the first heli pilot among these ladies was Refilwe Ledwaba, flying for SAPS. If I recall correctly, the first SAA flight with two black women in the cockpit was about 10 years ago? Many have had very versatile careers, from airforce to rescue work. Great role models for our young girls today.
@@JP-qn4uo I was just gonna say the same thing bro. We are so fixated in this gender/race thing, it's so unbelievable! Just get me the competent person for the job, that's all that matters.
What a great fleet of Technical staff who love their job and make their Airlines run safely hats off to them !!!! good job you are doing so well and also with happiness, I would gladly fly anyday
Wow an A340-300!!! It brings back so many memories as this aircraft was my very 1st flight ever from Chile to New Zealand back in 2005. The A343 will always have a special meaning in my life ❤
My god. The Airbus A340 is also one of my favorite aircraft. I wish i wanted to spot and flown onboard the A340. As of April 2024, 63 A340-300 are still in active service including Lufthansa, Swiss, Edelweiss, and South African Airways. This is one of the best👍 videos that i've ever watched in Flightradar24 this year.
Welcome to Perth, Australia's prettiest, safest and cleanest city....what an awesome video, how fortunate your are to have an all access pass behind the scenes...the SAA technicians and crew were so professional & nice and accommodating ... hope the gentlemen gets his inaugural flight to London, soon
WOW!....This is exactly what i love to watch re aviation, the behind the scenes of all those tech support team & all the work they have to carry-out before a plane is given the all go ahead to fly., great to see South African Airways flying from Johannesburg to Perth & all the awesome flight crew. Thumbs-Up👍✈
The very first A340 I ever saw was an SAA bird at Dulles Airport in Washington, DC in late June 2001. Thought it was a lovely plane then and still do. Especially loved the cockpit view of take off and landing. Thanks.
SAA THE BEST AIRLINE IN AFRICA AND THE WORLD …. :) I’M VERY HAPPY AND PROUD OF SAA BACK AGAIN WE MISS YOU SO MUCH LOOKING FOWARD TO SEE SAA AIRCRAFT ALL OVER THE WORLD WITH THE SOUTH AFRICAN FLAG REPRESENTING US ..PLEASE MAKE US PROUD AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN … YOU REPRESENTE OUR CONTINENT … HAPPY TOF AND LANDINGS
There's something remarkable about that rainbow tail and wings 😍 Fantastic flight you had with the lovely crew 💯 SAA definitely getting its crown back 👏🏻
4 engines wide body.. what a treat! Lovely flight start to finish; the crew was very professional and likable at the same time. loving it... Welcome back SAA!!
Really pleased to see the SAA A340 back here in Perth! If I'd known FR24 was onboard, I'd have waved as you flew by! Great to see the pride the tech crew all take in their work, while still looking like they really enjoy their jobs.
Beautifully filmed of a very magical flight, flying at night over the vast southern ocean. Wonderful crew, very calm, and wonderful to see many female members of the ground crew also. South Africa has a place in my heart.
I love the A340! Wow, the ground crew takes so much pride in their jobs and seems very happy with their employer, who treats them with maximum respect. I don't care if it is an older aircraft, it reminds me of the stunning Boeing 707 at the Reagan Library.
How beautiful to see the dedication and love they put effort to recover SAA. Definitely not lazy staff. Great job and initiative to show this video ! Thanks.
Landing on runway 03 in Perth means you probably would have flown over my house on approach. I saw the South African A340-300 fly over my house on Friday, I couldn't believe my eyes, first time I've seen an A340-300 in a few years. I also remember a good few years back when South African Airways flew the A340-600s to Perth, I miss those.
Brilliant video! Great to travel Jo'burg to Perth without leaving my chair! Loved the close up shots around the plane during prep. Landing gear shots were amazing!
I don't know why the algorithm brought me here but damn, I am glad it did. Your is so professional and I am glad SAA is lowly getting back to its feet.
I only subscribed a short time ago... But this was the best video I've seen in some time. Thank you for highlighting the ground crew of SAA. They are awesome! From those who build them, to the ones who keep flying, thank you for your passion towards aviation!!!
I loved how experienced the crew is. The pilot is definitely a veteran, he knew he needed some more time after the V1 for a smoother takeoff. You can tell if you know about the A340. The first officer is very active and very vigilant.
We are so glad you were on our brand new flight! Seemed you enjoyed!
May the company grow back bigger and better
Congrats 🥂 SA Airlines
congrates SAA👏👏👏
SHINE SAA SHINE!!! I WILL NEVER ALLOW THEM TO GIVE UP ON YOU!
@@wowent6737 We appreciate the kind words! We are continuously working to expand and modernize our fleet and return to profitability.
Man the A340 is such a beautiful aircraft. Great to see South African Airways slowly regaining their former glory, even if its taking a while ☺️
Yeah!
Hope they get a350s again soon, saa were my favourite a350 livery while they had them
@@Flightradar24DotCom
Your Awesome Gabriel keep up the great work! Huge fan of yours here.. Do you live in the U.S??
As a Frequent flyer on United one day you should do a United video? I been a frequent flyer on United for years here in the U.S
I live in Sweden but was born in the US. Will definitely do a United video at some point, on my channel. Behind the scenes and special access very difficult with the US airlines so probably won’t happen on this channel! But you never know I guess.
😂😂😂😂😂
Is it just me, or has watching this video just make one feel extra south African. Nice to see the professionalism of the team . Keep it up guys ❤
That is very nice to hear!
That female Pilot there is my sister Asnath Mahapa🙌🏼🙌🏼❤️❤️❤️❤️
Proof
We love her ❤❤❤
Oh wow well done, I am in tears my mother=land, I am still in excile, I am coming home soon. Well done SAA
You must be immensely proud! Congrats to her!
Tell her we are proud of her, as the whole country❤
Ex SAA Flight Attendant here, 1991-2008. What amazing memories!! If I could turn back time and do it again!!🥰
😊
@@africanaviators_official4499 still flying?
Was there from 1999 to 2017, this video has brought such fond memories!❤
...
...and hopefully SAA will be able to return to its former glory without the mismanagement and looting
As an ex-cabin attendant I did the Jhb/Mru/Per/Sydney run on several occasions . Good flights do to due to long stopover for crew.
Best of success for SAA
Our government should start realizing how many people, young and old are affected by the decision made on their behalf. Its heart warming seeing those young technicians smiling again and those pilots back doing what they love. Let's Love our country guys, its all we have, our only home, we need to protect it.
We still can not forgive SAA for the billions the tax-payers had to pay to rescue them. Again, and again, and again. I will never fly with SAA again. How long they need another twenty billion?
@@Deontjieexactly!
At minute 36.11 when the Perth control tower suddenly said 'Welkom terug Springbok', I could just not control my tears! How fabulous!! Thanks Perth! (And our lovely Co-Pilot responded with a 'Baie dankie'!. Oh, I am so proud of you all and our country!!!
This plane actually flew over my house and it was so cool seeing an A340 for the first time in my life.
Nice!
Perth Australia?
@@Perth_Squad yes
"We are the stars of South Africa!" Man- the enthusiasm of the entire ground and air crew is amazing!!!
😂😂 That was me personally.
Proud to see the South African ladies at work ❤
Very strong people and kudos to the lovely girls ❤
I also saw gentlemen there, don't they matter also???😮
@@m.x.refrigxolani8365 🤪😂😊❤ of course it matters.
I lived and worked in the DR Congo for 11 years. The old Kinahasa had an open viewing deck. I will never forget the feeling of seeing my country's flag touch down... it always felt that they came specifically for me. To take ME home. I love my airline... the moment you step onboard, you're home already. Nobody smiles like a South African ❤❤❤
Amazing! And yes I agree with the last point. 🙂
Welcome back SAA. Hope you regain your former glory. Africa needs you.
Great to see the technical support team . The unsung heroes of commercial aviation
And all the ladies in the team too!!
Yeah for sure!
As a South African aviation UA-camr, it’s great too see our countries airline get recognition like this 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦
South African aviatior about to sub
Thanks a lot! Amazing country 🇿🇦
@@aireditionYour a great filmer!! Im a young avgeek who one day dreams of becoming a flight reviewer.. Keep it up
I am about to sub to your channel…Dankie!
Man, I love aviation! I am not a pilot or even work in aviation but I am a fan regardless. This video makes me see the professionalism of the SAA staff and I will definitely use SAA when I visit my brother in NZ! Well done, guys!
"We are the stars of South Africa". All the technical team, such high professionalism yet all their personalities shine through. Love them!
Yes!
It’s nice to see SAA flying back to Perthfontein❤️❤️ Well done Captain Vusi, Asnat Moeng & team 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦
Hhey ntombi this brought back such great memories! I can't not think of Dudu makukhulunywa ngePerth....good to see you la kuma comments.
Well done team SAA, forever yena!🎉🎉🎉
Love, Thanda😊❤
This was my first time watching your channel. As a 54-year-young South African, it's great (and quite emotional) to see our national carrier back in action. As long as previous corruption and incompetence is kept at bay, there's no reason why SAA shouldn't return to being the best airline in the world again. Well done to the pilot and crew for your dedication in a job well done! And thanks, Gabriel, for airing this momentous occasion.
Oh wow... that controller saying "welkom terug, Springbok" brought a lump to my throat. My complex yet beautiful country with its warm hearts... come on Aussies, hop onboard and come visit us! 😊
yes maybe 1 day. my father and stepmother have been. cheers from Oz 😊
Me too! Felt very emotional most of the video!!
A reference to the old call sign, which was short for flying springbok. The old SAL
@@johanvanzyl4567 yes we know that. It is however still the call sign, just like BA is still 'speedbird"
That was such a cool moment yeah! Also Springbok has gotta be one of my favorite callsigns out there.
Many thumbs up to South Africa Technicians. Job welldone guys. I'm proud of you 👏 ❤.
We are the stars of South Africa! YES, YOU ARE! Keep shining.
Thank you Bro.
Proudly South African🇿🇦, its so nice to see our national carrier flying to different continents again🎉🎉🎉
Honored to have been along for the ride! 🇿🇦🇿🇦
i was on this flight..what a friendly service received...
This has to be the quickest 40-minute video I've ever watched. Great content.
Why do i get sp emotional when i see our country shining 😢
One cannot describe the sense of pride as a South African old woman to see our brave young women taking off on long- haul flights sitting in the flight deck. I love, love, love it.
Thank so much for this fabulous video! It was so great to watch from the cockpit! May our dear SAA go from strength to strength! Love our country!
🎉
I’m so so so proud! I don’t know how many times a shed a tear or two watching this. We are a country full of issues, but we are determined to strive and rise above all adversities. I am forever grateful for being a South African!!!!! 🇿🇦
Proud of everyone involved! Strong, capable, smart and patriotic 🙌🏾✨
What a proud moment to see the SAA doing long international hauls again. Great video, proudly South African! 🇿🇦
This is easily one of the best videos you guys have posted. I love how much detail was covered in the video. It is also great to see how much this airline treats everyone like family while still having a professional attitude, It is good to see fun in the workplace. I hope to see South African Airways back here in London 🙏😊
Thank you so much! Agree it was so nice to see the mix of professional competence and happiness/good energy!
Oh man! Great to see children of Africa doing good work. Thanks for covering the journey. ❤
It was so much fun!
This is exciting to watch! Proudly South African Airways.
Gabriel is pretty great, does a wonderful work, so dang personable. His videos make my week. 🙂
Thank you so much!
This takes me back to the good old days. Thank you for the backstage pass to this glorious airline. Taking Africa to the world and the world to Africa
This is the type of content Airlines should be catching for, just seeing the genuine professionalism and love that all that staff are having doing their "jobs" make me feel secure and confident choosing travel with SAA and I even live there or close there 😅. Dude, amazing vid, you, as always, are in the right pulse.
Greetings from Dominican Republic 🇩🇴
First Officer Asnath Mahapa, The First Black Female Pilot In South Africa ❤️❤️❤️❤️
She is in good company with many black female pilots who have emerged since around 1999. I think the first heli pilot among these ladies was Refilwe Ledwaba, flying for SAPS. If I recall correctly, the first SAA flight with two black women in the cockpit was about 10 years ago? Many have had very versatile careers, from airforce to rescue work. Great role models for our young girls today.
❤❤💯💯
Whhaaaa...hhaaaa
Just give me a pilot who is going to get me there safely. Gender, race, anything else is completely irrelevant.
@@JP-qn4uo I was just gonna say the same thing bro. We are so fixated in this gender/race thing, it's so unbelievable! Just get me the competent person for the job, that's all that matters.
What a great fleet of Technical staff who love their job and make their Airlines run safely hats off to them !!!! good job you are doing so well and also with happiness, I would gladly fly anyday
South Africa is also one of my favourite countries
Wow an A340-300!!!
It brings back so many memories as this aircraft was my very 1st flight ever from Chile to New Zealand back in 2005.
The A343 will always have a special meaning in my life ❤
Nice to hear! It’s a very special airplane.
I’ve flown SAA many times from Australia and it’s always the best service ❤
Seeing black female pilots, engineers and technicians at work is so up lifting, Thank you for this enlightenment.
Classic touch of updating passengers about where they are enroute to a destination, which is a seller for me. Well done and keep it up!!!
Yes I always appreciate that!
The two pilots are one of the most professional pairings I’ve come across.
Felt so proud when a few years ago, the lady pilot was in a store where I was, in her uniform. So glad to see her in the cockpit!!
Excellent pilots indeed!
They are yesss
@@TheaBothmaShe’s The First Black Woman To Qualify As A Pilot In SA
That climb up into the flight deck is awesome
Highlight of 2024 for us haha
New to aircraft..?
Well done to all, enjoyed watching.🇿🇦 🌍
Special shout out to Zimbabweans watching, hope Air Zimbabwe flies to the UK again. 🇿🇼
yesssir
💯
Will be travelling with them to Zimbabwe soon. A bit apprehensive after the Singapore Airlines incident last week.
It will in the Name of Jesus, Africa shall rise again
@@aykay9328 Amen 🙏🏼
Im a fan of aviation hope the SAA grows❤
My god. The Airbus A340 is also one of my favorite aircraft. I wish i wanted to spot and flown onboard the A340. As of April 2024, 63 A340-300 are still in active service including Lufthansa, Swiss, Edelweiss, and South African Airways. This is one of the best👍 videos that i've ever watched in Flightradar24 this year.
Thank you! And yep, A340 is such a beauty.
Watching this clip was quite therapeutic.. I love flights, cruise ships, adventure and all that! Good job SAA
That's me. I love flying uuh!!!!
Amazing! We had family on the "reverse inaugural" from Perth to Johannesburg. Great to see these venerable aircraft still flying.
Hey Paul, glad you enjoyed it!
Took SAA to Sao Paulo and back - great service they have
Welcome to Perth, Australia's prettiest, safest and cleanest city....what an awesome video, how fortunate your are to have an all access pass behind the scenes...the SAA technicians and crew were so professional & nice and accommodating ... hope the gentlemen gets his inaugural flight to London, soon
Thank you for watching. I loved Perth as well!
I like this one coz i never been in a plane salute for showing me
loved this video, good to see SAA back & thank you for featuring my country and my people
It was a pleasure, I am such a big fan of 🇿🇦 and especially its people
As a Boeing fan I have to say, I'm a little envious. That A340 is a beautiful airplane!. Congratulations SAA & Airbus.
Their version (looks wise at least), of the old Boeing 707s and Douglas DC8s !!
Welcome back! Qantas have been milking the route since resuming service post covid. I'll definitely be supporting SAA in the future.
easily the best flight vlog I have seen, thankyou
Glad you enjoyed it!
Beautiful. Very proud to watch this as South African and aviation fanatic.
So happy South African is making a comeback. Be still, my proud South African heart. ❤❤❤
So lovely to see SAA back in the air. It's been and will remain my favourite airline.
WOW!....This is exactly what i love to watch re aviation, the behind the scenes of all those tech support team & all the work they have to carry-out before a plane is given the all go ahead to fly., great to see South African Airways flying from Johannesburg to Perth & all the awesome flight crew. Thumbs-Up👍✈
The very first A340 I ever saw was an SAA bird at Dulles Airport in Washington, DC in late June 2001. Thought it was a lovely plane then and still do. Especially loved the cockpit view of take off and landing. Thanks.
SAA THE BEST AIRLINE IN AFRICA AND THE WORLD …. :) I’M VERY HAPPY AND PROUD OF SAA BACK AGAIN WE MISS YOU SO MUCH LOOKING FOWARD TO SEE SAA AIRCRAFT ALL OVER THE WORLD WITH THE SOUTH AFRICAN FLAG REPRESENTING US ..PLEASE MAKE US PROUD AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN … YOU REPRESENTE OUR CONTINENT … HAPPY TOF AND LANDINGS
Ethiopia airline is very impressive, but it's good for all Africa to do better in aviation
I would like to contest that. SAA still needs to work harder. Ethiopian are still the best on the continent.
Being a proud South African, can’t help it but be emotional watching this
There's something remarkable about that rainbow tail and wings 😍 Fantastic flight you had with the lovely crew 💯 SAA definitely getting its crown back 👏🏻
I love that rainbow nation tail too 😊
4 engines wide body.. what a treat! Lovely flight start to finish; the crew was very professional and likable at the same time. loving it... Welcome back SAA!!
Thank you for this lovely video. Brought a few tears to my eyes, hopefully SAA can just get stronger from here
So glad I was not the only one getting really emotional watching this video. So glad for SAA and for our country!
I am so pleased to hear that people felt this way watching it!
@airedition South africa and its people have so much potential, if we work and build together!
Wow this beautiful… Proudly South African 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦
Really pleased to see the SAA A340 back here in Perth! If I'd known FR24 was onboard, I'd have waved as you flew by! Great to see the pride the tech crew all take in their work, while still looking like they really enjoy their jobs.
Yeah it was great to see them doing their thing!
Beautifully filmed of a very magical flight, flying at night over the vast southern ocean. Wonderful crew, very calm, and wonderful to see many female members of the ground crew also. South Africa has a place in my heart.
What a great technical team. Knowledgeable and having a fun attitude probably makes their work day seem short. My kind of folks.
The glorious A340❤. Not a soul has been lost as a result of an accident or incident in the history of this aircraft.
Thank God for His mercy and love to us
I can't explain why, but I was quite moved watching this video; there is something beautiful about such technology and thank you for sharing it,.
I felt very emotional most of the video!!!
That’s great to hear!
Glad to see you back in the skies.much 🫶🏾 from 🇰🇪
Thank you for showcasing SAA and for visiting South Africa. Great video. 🇿🇦✈️
Thank you! Can’t wait to return.
I love the A340! Wow, the ground crew takes so much pride in their jobs and seems very happy with their employer, who treats them with maximum respect. I don't care if it is an older aircraft, it reminds me of the stunning Boeing 707 at the Reagan Library.
It’s a great airplane and a great team too, yes! Thanks for the comment.
Amazing! Thank you for these great insights :)
Thanks a lot, really glad you enjoyed it!
How beautiful to see the dedication and love they put effort to recover SAA. Definitely not lazy staff. Great job and initiative to show this video ! Thanks.
I was all smiles watching this video. Great to the behind the scenes of such an exciting operation. I hope SAA is here to stay
Proudly South African, great job SAA🎉
Amazing video and great to see SAA reclaiming their position as number 1 in the skies!! One day I'll be on their inaugural flights
Proudly South African- great video and it's great to see SAA up and about again all the best.
Good to see the comeback of SAA
Such a competent lady pilot. Very comfortable with her work despite being filmed 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿
She has been doing it for long
Terrific video, Gabriel... thank you. Nice to see SAA finally spreading it's wings again!
Thank you!
The A340 looks so groomed and clean as if it were brand new.
Haha. Let us be honest.
She’s in great shape!
Welcome back may Allah bless South Africa
Landing on runway 03 in Perth means you probably would have flown over my house on approach. I saw the South African A340-300 fly over my house on Friday, I couldn't believe my eyes, first time I've seen an A340-300 in a few years. I also remember a good few years back when South African Airways flew the A340-600s to Perth, I miss those.
This video just reminded me of the dream I once had of becoming a airline pilot😢Top notch content. Also great to see SAA flying again.
Don t abandon your dream please, I beseech, dream again
40 minutes just went by 😢😢... truly enjoyed this one
Welkom terug Springbok....baie dankie. good to hear South africans working at Perth ATC
That was fun yeah.
It warmed my heart to hear it.
Brilliant video! Great to travel Jo'burg to Perth without leaving my chair! Loved the close up shots around the plane during prep. Landing gear shots were amazing!
Another epic one Gab! I'm now this close to book my next vacations to South Africa! Cheers! Thanks!
I don't know why the algorithm brought me here but damn, I am glad it did. Your is so professional and I am glad SAA is lowly getting back to its feet.
Thank you algorithm and thank you for leaving a comment!
Thank you for the insight into what goes on in these flights, as well as the excellence of the African team.
I only subscribed a short time ago...
But this was the best video I've seen in some time.
Thank you for highlighting the ground crew of SAA. They are awesome!
From those who build them, to the ones who keep flying, thank you for your passion towards aviation!!!
House music in A340 has no competitor ❤❤❤, it used to lift my soul. Welcome back.
Thank you for this backstage pass of SAA😊 to Perth
Our pleasure!
Very good video !! SAA can be truly very proud on themselves as a airline ! They seem to have a very good airline going now !
Yes it’s so nice to see their comeback
I loved how experienced the crew is. The pilot is definitely a veteran, he knew he needed some more time after the V1 for a smoother takeoff. You can tell if you know about the A340. The first officer is very active and very vigilant.
I still wonder why they put those small engines on such a behemoth, it's a little bit sluggish but a majestic aircraft...
The engine choice was down to a particular technical limitation of the time. They offer less power but they do the job!