I just booked a flight to LHR yesterday and noticed that it’s a Hi-Fly A330-300.

If it sticks, the seat map can be found on the Aerolopa website under South African Airways A330-300 which is a bit more detailed than on the KQ or Hi-Fly website. (For some reason I can’t paste the link). To note that in business class, the even numbered window seats offer a bit more privacy as they are right next to the window with the storage shelf at the aisle. Aisle seats are right next to the aisle. And are more open to foot traffic.

I have flown on it once between FIH-NBO. It was a short flight so didn’t really get the time as you would do with a long-haul to appraise the full comfort. One quirk on that flight was that the KQ entertainment system wasn’t loaded. It was only half way through the flight that I noticed you needed to scan a QR code to access the Hi-Fly system. I went to sleep so didn’t try and therefore didn’t know if it actually worked.

The catering was KQ with a mix of KQ and Hi-Fly cabin crew. The KQ CC were by far more active and engaging. I do hope that the amenities that you would normally get on a KQ 787 long haul are also offered on this flight, such as the mattress pad. I’ll have my iPad loaded just in case the entertainment system isn’t up to scratch.

I did see an article some time ago that KQ were training their cabin and flight crew on the A330 so hoping that it is mainly staffed by them. The Hi-Fly crew were definitely a bit surly and gave the impression they didn’t really want to be there. Noticed by the fact that the 2 KQ crew were the ones doing more or less all of the meal service which meant a longer wait for drinks and food. When I asked a HF crew member for a drink, it’s was served by a KQ crew member. That may have been a one off but the next flight should tell.

I actually contemplated going via AMS and normal KQ 787 flights to get to GLA was it not for a fairly long wait in AMS.

I’ll try and remember to report back. Thankfully it KQ on the way back (I hope)!