SAA Museum Society gives flight to nostalgia

Do you have a passion for history and, in particular, aviation history?

Then there is the perfect place to go right on your doorstep.

The South African Airways (SAA) Museum Society is a place of wonder and history and you can linger for hours looking at all the memorabilia and taking a peek inside a number of historic aircraft.

Located in Dakota Crescent, at Rand Airport, the museum offers something for young and old alike.

In the display hall, you will find an array of historic items, such as photographs, aircraft instruments, timetables, clothing worn by personnel and other important documentation, which you can examine to your heart’s content.

Then it’s time to venture outside to scrutinise all the wonderful old aircraft, including the B747, ZS-SAN, Lebombo.

There are also two static simulators available for a bit of flying fun.

The society was founded in 1986 by individuals within SAA and interested outside parties, with the aim of preserving the history of SAA, as well as that of general civil aviation in the country.

Keith Lennard told the GCN the purchase by SAA of a famous Junkers JU 52/3m aircraft ignited the flame which led to the formation of the society.

Members of the museum society were instrumental in restoring that aircraft, and have, ever since, been proactive in preserving the colourful history of the airline.

The museum is open to the public from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9.30am to 3pm.

It is a great place for school tours and the members enjoy teaching the youngsters about aviation and nurturing their interest in aviation as a potential career.

Guided tours for adults can also be arranged.

Small corporate functions and conferences, photo shoots, product launches, award ceremonies and even weddings can also be booked at the museum, to give somewhat of a different flavour to an event.

This generates funds for the society’s preservation efforts.

One of the society’s stated aims is to create an awareness of the greatness of South African aviation, and the role it has played in society.

It is the only museum in the world with two static display Boeing 747s, plus a fleet of flying classic propeller-driven aircraft.

The operational aircraft are leased to SkyClass Aviation, who operate them on charter work and scenic flights.

The SAA Museum Society is a non-profit company and members of the society, all of whom are volunteers, have every reason to be immensely proud of their fine achievements in preserving the colourful history of South African civil aviation.

To find out more about the SAA Museum Society visit www.saamuseum.co.za, email to info@saamuseum.co.za or call 076 879 5044 and speak to the manager on duty.

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