South African Airways Museum Society

South African Airways Museum Society Collecting and preserving the history of South African Airways and civil aviation in South Africa. Members of the public are welcome to visit the Museum.

Based at the “Old Transvaal Aviation Club” at Rand Airport in Germiston, the Museum has historic items like photographs, aircraft instruments, timetables, documentation and artefacts on display. It also boasts two Boeing 747 aircraft – A B747-200, ZS-SAN, and a B747-SP ZS-SPC. Other Static display are craft are: de Havilland DH.104 Dove, Lockheed 18-08 Lodestar, Douglas DC-4 Skymaster (C-54D), and

the forward fuselage section of Boeing 707 ZS-SAI. The Museum, a volunteer, non-profit organisation, was founded in 1986 with the aim of preserving the history of civil aviation in South Africa. This was sparked off by the purchase by SAA of the famous Junkers Ju 52/3m aircraft. Members of the SAA Museum Society assisted in the restoration of “Tante Ju” to flying condition and are proactive in preserving aviation history. One of the Museum’s aims is to create an awareness of the greatness of South African aviation. The static display aircraft are used to their fullest extent for aviation awareness programmes and fund raising for the Museum and are available for corporate related functions, conferences, product launches, award ceremonies and weddings. The training of aircraft technicians and cabin crew takes place at the Museum’s facilities. Maintenance procedures undertaken as training exercises assist the Museum with its preservation tasks, as well as being beneficial to students and apprentices who get an opportunity to work on “the real thing”. Researchers may make use of the Museum’s library, which contains over a thousand aviation related books. There is an entrance fee. Guided tours are available for school and larger groups. Booking is essential. There is a restaurant at the complex that serves scrumptious food and refreshments. See our website www.saamuseum.co.za for further information such as open times.

Just hours after we celebrated the 80th Anniversary of Air Hostessing at South African Airways, a doyen of the "air" and...
29/08/2026

Just hours after we celebrated the 80th Anniversary of Air Hostessing at South African Airways, a doyen of the "air" and revered friend of the South African Airways Museum Society, air hostess Bessie Bothma, passed away at the age of 102 years.

Bessie, who flew from 1959 until 1965, flew on the DC3 Dakota's, Vickers Viscounts, Lockheed Constellation and saw the entry of the Jet era on the B707's.

We at the Museum have fond memories of her visit to celebrate SAA's 90th Anniversary in February 2024, where she shared many interesting tales of her time at SAA.

Bessie's passing marks the end of the pioneering era for Hostessing in South African Aviation History!

May your final flight be smooth, and may you soar higher than the clouds you always loved.
You touched the lives of countless passengers, now it is time to rest your wings!!💔❤️

From the South African Airways Museum Society

Just a reminder that the South African Airways Museum Society✈️ will be closed Sunday 30 August 2026.
29/08/2026

Just a reminder that the South African Airways Museum Society✈️ will be closed Sunday 30 August 2026.

26/08/2026
Please note that the Museum will be closed on Sunday 30 August 2026.
26/08/2026

Please note that the Museum will be closed on Sunday 30 August 2026.

26 August 1950 in FlySAA✈️ history📝
25/08/2026

26 August 1950 in FlySAA✈️ history📝

On 23 August 2026 some former Air Hostesses and other dignatories gathered at the SAA Museum at Rand Airport to commemor...
24/08/2026

On 23 August 2026 some former Air Hostesses and other dignatories gathered at the SAA Museum at Rand Airport to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the 1946 introduction of the first group of Air Hostesses on South African Airways domestic and international flights.
Volunteers at the museum prepared a variety of uniform and photographic displays for guests to reminisce amongst, whilst partaking in a sophisticated High-Tea befitting the elegantly attired ladies.
Guest of honour, Daphne Hanson (nee Hoggins) who had joined the airline at Rand Airport in Germiston in 1947 , trained under Miss Melba Smit, a qualified speech trainer and elocutionist, and was a lecturer at Rhodes University. Daphne had served on the Skymasters on the Springbok Service to London as well as on the smaller Vickers Vikings, Lockheed Loadstars and DC3 Dakota aircraft.
Many interesting stories were excitedly shared by all the attendees!!
There was a request for an annual event in a similar vein.

23/08/2026

Enrol your Young Aviation Enthusiast with us✈️

Please note!
22/08/2026

Please note!

Only a few days left!✈️Book your seat before it's too late!
17/08/2026

Only a few days left!✈️

Book your seat before it's too late!

Reminder of our Woman's Month celebration, honouring the women who took to the skies. ✈️
11/08/2026

Reminder of our Woman's Month celebration, honouring the women who took to the skies. ✈️

Address

Dakota Crescent
Germiston
1401

Opening Hours

Tuesday 09:00 - 15:30
Wednesday 09:00 - 15:30
Thursday 09:00 - 15:30
Friday 09:00 - 15:30
Saturday 09:00 - 15:30
Sunday 09:00 - 15:30

Telephone

+27768795044

Website

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