SPRINGBOK CLASSIC AIR, SPRINGBOK AIR ACADEMY, DAKOTA LODGE AND SPRINGBOK AVIATION SERVICES

Some love relationships are built to last, such as that between the renowned Airbus captain Flippie Vermeulen and historic aeroplanes. After serving for 42 years with SAA, including 12 years at the head of the SAA Historic Flight project, Captain Vermeulen founded Springbok Classic Air, which operates from the Rand Airport.

If you dream of a classic prop-line voyage to unforgettable destinations in Africa, Europe and beyond, look no further than this full-service luxury adventure travel company. Some safaris are booked a year in advance. In the meantime, you could take one of the regular 20-minute flights and see Johannesburg in a new light.

Before take-off or after landing, spend the night at Captain Vermeulen’s three-star Dakota Lodge with its marvellous aviation theme. Enjoy breakfast at the lodge dining room while you savour the ambiance at Rand airport. Conference and event amenities are also available; the surroundings certainly make for a fresh corporate experience.

Take a fascinating stroll around Hangar 5, home to Springbok Classic Air and Aviation Services who specialise in the rebuilding of vintage aircraft. You may come across a film team working on a documentary or find that one of the aircraft is being prepared for action at an airshow.

Springbok Air Academy is close to Captain Vermeulen’s heart. The five-week Airbus A320 type rating is one of the offerings providing men and women with the skill and experience to wing their way into the future. This professional flight training organization offers one-stop training and testing packages for PPL and CPL licences.

AVIATION ENTHUSIASTS CAN REFUEL THEIR PASSION AT RAND AIRPORT BY RELAXING IN A VINTAGE PASSENGER SEAT IN THE RECEPTION HALL AT DAKOTA LODGE, A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF JOHANNESBURG FROM A DC3 AS WELL AS A BEECH 18, OR A COURSE IN FLYING AT THE SPRINGBOK AIR ACADEMY.