SAA missed out big time.... . .. .Plenty of 777's around at favorable lease rates. Delta even tried to pawn some excess 777s off on them recently. Sure, I understand the commonality issue to reduce training and spares costs... However, keeping the 744s around will reduce some of the commonality benefits - I guess if you are going to go with Airbus you should go "all" Airbus to MAXIMIZE the commonality benefits.... .. .In the end, the 777-200/300 beats the A340 200/300/600 anytime in terms of performance, passenger comfort (personal experience) and looks - it just looks better. The anti-777 ETOPS argument doesn't work with me given that A330s are employed on long-distance over-water flights as well.. .. .My preferred fleet plan for SAA:. .. .777-200s and 300s for extra long-haul. .A321s for Medium haul. .A319s (and a few A320s) for short-to-medium haul. .CRJ-200 and 700 regional (use commuter network better for feed). .. .Just my opinion. Good luck to all SAA personnel - it's great that the old fleet will be retired anyway.... .. .Ciao