SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS MUSEUM SOCIETY

Founded in 1985 by individuals within South African Airways, the South African Airways Museum Society (SAAMS) has as its main aim the preservation of the history of the National Airline. As well as that of general civil aviation in South Africa. This was sparked off by the purchase of the famous Junkers Ju 52/3m aircraft. Members of the SAAMS were instrumental in restoring that aircraft and have ever since been proactive in preserving the colourful history of South African Airways.

SAAMS is based at the Transvaal Aviation Club at Rand Airport in Germiston. Historic items such as photographs, aircraft instruments, timetables and other important documentation are on display in the society’s display hall.

The display hall is open to the public and the society regularly participates in open days to encourage particularly the younger generation of South Africans to take an interest in aviation as a potential career. One of SAAMS’s aims is to create an awareness of the greatness of South African aviation and the role it has played in society.

Static display aircraft are used to their fullest extent for aviation awareness programmes as well as for fund raising for the society. The aircraft are available for small corporate related functions such as board meetings and conferences, product launches, award ceremonies, even weddings.

Much needed funds for the society’s preservation efforts are generated from the utilisation of Lebombo and the other static display aircraft. The aircraft may also be utilised by training organisations for training of aircraft mechanics and technicians. It may be possible for certain maintenance procedures to be undertaken as training exercises, which will assist the society with its on-going preservation task, as well as being beneficial to students who will get an opportunity to work on ‘The real thing’.

The operational aircraft are leased to Skyclass Aviation who operate them on charter work to Southern Africa’s exotic tourist destinations. The South African Airways Museum Society is a Non-Profit Company (NPC) Registration number 2007/005176/08. SAAMS was registered with the South African Museums Association (SAMA) Gauteng North Branch, in May 2001.

The members of the SAA Museum 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.