The 737 order was followed by an Airbus order in 2002 . Under CEO Andre Viljoen , South African Airways requested Airbus to overhaul its fleet at a cost of US$ 3.5 billion in March 2002 , taking advantage of a slump in the order books of both Boeing and Airbus . The airline industry was still staggering after the September 11 attacks in the US , which led to new aircraft orders either being deferred , or cancelled altogether . SAA was in a buyers ' market and the demise of Swissair , which had A340-600s about to be delivered , effected Airbus clinching the SAA deal . This was part of a bigger order that covered 11 A319s , 15 A320s , nine A340-600s and six A340-300s . Three of the A340-600 aircraft came from International Lease Finance Corporation ( ILFC ) . The new Airbus A319s replaced the ageing Boeing 737-200 fleet , but the Boeing 737-800s continue in service , because SAA cancelled the A320 order before any aircraft were delivered
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
South African Airways