Recently returned from Hawaii. An airport in Honolulu offers unbelievable sight - 6-8 JAL's 747s parked side by side at the gates, practically all the time - when one departs another takes his spot. Even my aviation-ignorant wife took a note of that. They all bring Japanese tourists. Clearly for JAL 747 is a workhorse on this route.Michael J.http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/9320/apollo17vf7.jpg

And the 744 fleet is not entirely grounded... I saw ZS-SBK on final approach for 03L whilst at the shops today...

Interesting Bryan - I had family from from LHR to JNB on Tuesday night/Wednesday on SBK...and..their return flight to LHR on November 5 is listed as equipment 744.....I'm trying to find some more info out from a pilot source in SAA...

It just goes to prove a point. Never trust a thing politicians say in press statements. Usualkly when politicians have to put out statements, hey are backed into a corner and looking for an easy way out. I personally think the entire SAA 747 grounding issue was a red herring to distract the public from the real issues SAA has with grossly incompetent, over-paid management, driving the gravy train. Or should I say the 'gravy plane'.I have received word that SAA's full motion 747-400 simulator in Johannesburg is hardly utilized anymore, due to the 474 fleet becomming redundant. I have heard via the grape vine that they may open up to accept some enthusiast in-sim flight bookings. I will get to the bottom of it and report back.Anthony ReesCape TownSouth Africa