Category Archives: Upcoming Aviation events news
SAAF Museum Airshow 2023 to be a returnable hit
The South African Air Force Museum Airshow at Mobile Deployment Wing (MDW) Swartkop previously Air Force Base Swartkop is shaping up to be an airshow spectacular!
This will be a welcome return of the SAAF Museum Airshow after the covid-19 pandemic and no airshows taking place at MDW for three years.
The build-up to the show will see the now-familiar Gautrain vs Alouette race on the morning of 3rd May. As well as the start of airshow validations with a lot more aircraft activity over the city of Tshwane skies.
The youth development program will also take place the day before the show for a handful of high school learners wishing to choose a career in aviation.
A number of airshow favorites from the South African Air Force fighter line, the Gripen from 2 Squadron and the Hawk Mk120 from 85 Combat Flying School from AFB Makhado will be put through their paces on the 6th of May 2023. Central Flying School will also provide a Pilatus PC7 MKII display
The SAAF Museum will put most of its flying exhibits into the show including the Cessna C185, Kudu, Bosbok, Harvard, Alouettes, and Puma Helicopter.
Rotary assets we will see Airforce Station Gqeberha based BK-117 from 15 Squadron “Charlie” flight.
16 Squadron mighty Rooivalk will also be flown showing South Africa’s locally built combat support helicopter. We will also see an Agusta A109LUH and Oryx helicopters!
Civilian participants will include the Puma Flying Lions Harvard’s, Goodyear Pitts Specials, and Classic Flying Collections de Havilland Chipmunks, Tiger Moths and Auster as well as many others!
Members of the public are to be aware aircraft can be pulled off the program due to operational needs, serviceability, and weather dependent.
A variety of beverages will be on sale on the day from many of the kiosks as well as memorabilia from different squadrons, restoration projects, and others!
Tickets are on sale at Computicket nationwide, tickets will also be available at the gate on the 6th of May. Gates open at 7 am and the show starts at 9 am
Tickets are available on the link below!
https://tickets.computicket.com/event/saaf_museum_air_show/7212629/7212658/129083
Where to find the Airshow Venue / Airport
Also, Read Do’s and Don’ts attending an Airshow
Also, Read Airshow photography, the Canon way
SAAF Museum Flying Day April 2023
There was no time for jokes on the April edition of the SAAF Museum Flying day at Mobile Deployment Wing Swartkop.The now Mobile Deployment Wing known as MDW, was the old Snake Valley, then Swartkop Airfield which then fell under AFB Waterkloof after the base was disbanded.
This was the final flying day to be held before the SAAF Museum Airshow on 6th May 2023,where the public will be able to see both current and museum aircraft of the South African Air force, as well as civilian display teams!
The friends of the South African Air force museum had refreshments on sale as well as as giving guided tours to visitors. The SAAF Museum Spitfire restoration also had memorabilia on sale and were able to show you the restoration progress on the museum spitfire and newly built hangar. The team at the Buccaneer 421 restoration also allowed visitors to sit in the cockpit of the buccaneer.
From the flying exhibits we saw the Museums Cessna C185,Bosbok and brighly coloured Siyandiza Harvard from the fixed wings.
Rotary Museum flying exhibits had the Aerospatiale Puma Helicopter, Alouette II and Alouette III. One of the other Museum Alouette III departed for Nasrec near Johannesburg, where it will be on static display during the duration of the Rand Easter show from Thursday, April 6th, 2023 – Monday, April 10, 2023.We also had a surprise fly-past by a Aerospatiale SA 315B Lama a French single-engine helicopter developed to meet hot and high operational requirements.
We look forward to seeing you all at the SAAF Museum Airshow 6th May 2023.
For now keep them up where they belong
SAAF Museum Flying Day March 2023
The South African Airforce Museum hosted their monthly flying day at the now known Airforce Mobile Deployment Wing (Air Force Base Swartkop) in Pretoria this past Saturday.
The Museum allows the public to attend these flying days to learn more about the SAAF from both past and current through the static and flying exhibits.
The flying day started with the rotary wing inventory Alouette II’s taking to the skies followed by the Aerospatiale Puma not long after.
The Museum bosbok was one of the first fixed wing aircraft to get airborne for the day, followed by the Cessna C185 and Harvards 7111 “Nelson” and Harvard 7480.
These aircraft are flown to keep pilots current ,get new younger pilots rated and keep the rich aviation heritage flowing through the South African Air Force.
The friends of the museum who look after a lot of the static exhibits at the base, including raising funds to restore the Museum Spitfire!
They had refreshments and memorabilia on sale for the day.
This flying day was also the build up for the SAAF Museum Airshow that will take place Saturday 6th May 2023. Tickets are on sale at Computicket!
Please browse through our gallery!
Armed Forces Day media launch Richards Bay
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is hosting the 2023 Armed Forces Day (AFD)
in Richard’s Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, from 15th – 21st February 2023. The event comprises a series of
planned activities culminating in the main parade on 21 February.
The AFD Parade will be preceded by a Wreath Laying Ceremony. The Commander-in-Chief and
President of the country, his Excellency President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa, will lay a wreath in
commemoration of all SANDF soldiers who have fallen in the line of duty, both internally and externally
including those that perished aboard the SS Mendi troopship that sank on 21 February 1917 after it
collided with a large cargo steamship, Darro, in the English Channel south of the Isle of Wight.
The SANDF, with the event, purports to, among other things to honour serving members who
serve the nation with pride and pay special tribute to soldiers who paid the ultimate price and lost
their lives in the line of duty. The other aspect is taking the SANDF to the people, therefore,
allowing communities who ordinarily are not exposed to the SANDF, to have first-hand experience
and interact with the men and women in uniform and their prime military equipment.
The SANDF equipment will include, among others, SA Army’s heavy armored vehicles and
weapon systems, SA Air Force(SAAF) aircraft and helicopters. SA Navy’s warships and SA
Military Health Services (SAMHS) will also display capabilities.
The AFD Media launch took place on the SAS Mendi, this frigate is the last of four Valour-class frigates built for the South African Navy by the European South African Corvette Consortium and entered service in March 2007. SAS Mendi was named by Mrs Helena Retief, wife of the Chief of the Navy Vice Admiral Johan Retief.
Speech’s by Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Monde Lobese and Chief South African National Defence Force General Rudzani Maphwanya with regards to the following events in Richards Bay, as well as the next move for the Durban Naval base relocating to Richards Bay!
AFD 2023 Events
67 Days to AAD 2022 Media Briefing
The countdown to 67 days to Africa Aerospace and Defence Trade exhibition and Airshow which will be held at Airforce Base Waterkloof in the city of Tshwane from 21-25 September 2022.
A media briefing plus a youth development familiarisation to the world of aerospace was held at 28 Squadron “Portamus” (We Carry” home of the Lockheed Martin C130BZ under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Nandi Zama.
The Deputy Chief of the South African Air Force, Major General Innocent Buthelezi welcomed the guests on behalf of the Chief of the South African Air Force, Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo and said that he is happy that an event of this magnitude had been dissected, reinvented, finally comes to life.
“When we started there was still so much uncertainty on whether we would be able to host the 11th edition. The pandemic still was at its worst and we watched and waited as we gathered every pronouncement made by the World Health Organisation and our Department of Health.
The Deputy Chief of the SA Air force mentioned that he personally likes the theme of this year’s AAD which is: exploring new paths, sharing solutions and showcasing innovation and capabilities.
“For the first time in the history of AAD, we have secured the express permission for the presence and use of Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) or drones during the show. It is evident that the future is upon us and still coming at us at the speed of light. Innovation is coming from young minds, minds that can still dream big.
Invited guests witnessed the signing of agreements between the AAD and the City of Tshwane, Gautrain and the South African Airways, we are assured of the success of AAD2022,” said Major General Buthelezi
The 67 learners from Mshuluzani Mayisela Primary School from bronkhorstspruit and said, “these learners are fresh, impressionable minds, we aim to ignite the spark of aviation in their minds so that they can always remember that they were part of this august moment,” he said
The Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane, Mr Randal Williams welcomed the AAD team to the City of Tshwane and said, “we are thrilled to be associated with the AAD, what is interesting is that it showcases the latest technological innovations.
Ms Nompaza Ndlovu, the chairperson of AAD said, “this is a new dawn as we slowly recover from the shackles of the pandemic, I am pleased that we are back in action because we will bring all the strategic partners together to realise what we have been looking forward to, the best AAD this year,” she mentioned.
Foreign airforces have been invited to the event with a couple already committing their presence at this year’s AAD.
Obviously we will know closer to the event who’s who that will be at AAD 2022. Ticket sales and vendor applications will also be available in August next month.
Africa Aerospace and Defence Trade exhibition and Airshow will run from 21-25 September 2022.
AAD 2022 Aircraft list
To be finalized in September 2022
This is a preliminary list of aircraft to be expected to be seen at Africa Aerospace and Defence 2022.
This is not the final list and is based on speculation
Aircraft can be added or removed or even no-show at all.
For the official aircraft list please click here
Ticked information click here
Aircraft list as Compiled by Aviation Central
The list is not final and will change
| Aircraft | Country of Origin | Company / Air Force | Confirmed Yes / No / TBC | Flying / Static |
| Lockheed L100 | South Africa | SAFAIR | Yes | Flying |
| Boeing 738 | South Africa | FlySafair | Yes | Flying |
| P51D Mustang | South Africa | Master Power Technologies | Yes | Flying |
| 2 x C-17 Globemaster | USA | USAF | Yes | Static |
| Lockheed C130J | USA | USAF | Yes | Static/TBC |
| KC-135R | USA | USAF | Yes | Static |
| KC-46 Pegasus | USA | USAF | Yes | Static |
| UH-60 | USA | USAF | Yes | Flying |
| MQ-9 | USA | USAF | Yes | Static |
| Silver Falcons | South Africa | SAAF-Central Flying School | Yes | Flying |
| Rooivalk | South Africa | SAAF-16 Squadron | Yes | Flying |
| Aero L29 | South Africa | Hangar 51 | Confirmed | Flying |
| YAK 52 | South Africa | Hangar 51 | TBC | Flying |
| BK117 | South Africa | SAAF-15 Squadron “Charlie” Flight | Yes | Flying |
| SAAB Gripen | South Africa | SAAF- 2 Squadron | Yes | Flying |
| BAE Hawk MK120 | South Africa | SAAF- 85 Combat Flying School | Yes | Flying |
| T6 Harvard | South Africa | SAAF Museum | Yes | Flying |
| Alouette II | South Africa | SAAF Museum | Yes | Flying |
| Alouette III | South Africa | SAAF Museum | Yes | Flying |
| SAPS Airwing Sovereign | South Africa | SA Police Airwing | Yes | Flying |
| Goodyear Pitts | South Africa | Aerobatics Unlimited | Yes | Flying |
| Oryx | South Africa | SAAF | Yes | Flying |
| Agusta A109LUH | South Africa | SAAF | Yes | Flying |
| Kudu | South Africa | SAAF Museum | Yes | Flying |
| Bosbok | South Africa | SAAF Museum | Yes | Flying |
| Cessna C185 | South Africa | SAAF Museum | Yes | Flying |
| Westland Lynx Mk300 | South Africa | SAAF-22 Squadron | TBC | Static |
| Casa 212 | South Africa | SAAF-44 Squadron | TBC | TBC |
| Cessna 208A Caravan | South Africa | SAAF-41 Squadron | TBC | TBC |
| Lockheed C130BZ | South Africa | SAAF- 28 Squadron | Yes | Flying |
| Beechcraft KingAir 200 | South Africa | SAAF- 41 Squadron | TBC | TBC |
| Casa 212 | Zimbabwe | Airforce of Zimbabwe | Yes | Static |
| Karakorum K-8 | Zimbabwe | Airforce of Zimbabwe | Yes | Flying |
| Puma | South Africa | SAAF Museum | Confirmed | Flying |
| Puma Flying Lions | South Africa | Academy Air | Yes | Flying |
| Extra 330 | South Africa | Iveco Extras | Confirmed | Flying |
| Piper PA-31 Navajo | South Africa | Safomar Aviation | Yes | Static |
| Piper Cherokee 180 | South Africa | Safomar Aviation | Yes | Static |
| Enstrom 280FX Shark | South Africa | Safomar Aviation | Yes | Static/TBC |
| Enstrom 480B | South Africa | Safomar Aviation | Yes | Static/TBC |
| Beechcraft B55 Baron | South Africa | Safomar Aviation | Yes | Static |
| Stemme S 15-1 ASP | South Africa | Private | Yes | Static |
| AHRLAC | South Africa | Paramount Group | TBC | Static |
| Tiger Moths | South Africa | Classic Flying Collection | Yes | Flying |
| L39 Albatross | South Africa | Private | Yes | Flying |
| Alouette III | South Africa | Private | Yes | Flying |
| Raptor RVs | South Africa | Private | Yes | Flying |
| Hired Gun Pitts | South Africa | Academy Air | Yes | Flying |
| Motor Gliders | South Africa | Private | Yes | Flying |
| Magni Gyrocopter | South Africa | Private | Yes | Flying |
| Alouette III | South Africa | Private | Yes | Flying |
All Systems go for AAD 2022
It is all systems go for the return of the Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (AAD) in September 2022. With 22 years since its inception, AAD has been instrumental in unlocking the growth of the local, regional and even the international aerospace and defence industries.
This being the 11th edition, AAD2022 will once again be held at its home base, Air Force Base Waterkloof 21 to 25 September 2022 in the City of Tshwane. The event will follow its tradition format of three trade days followed by two public air show days. The South African President, Hon Cyril Ramaphosa recently (on 5 April 2022) announced the lifting of the national state of disaster which – according to AAD organisers, cements their readiness to deliver another sterling event.
“As organisers we are taking every step to ensure the safety of guests, exhibitors, trade visitors and participants,” said Sandile Ndlovu, Executive Committee Chairman AAD 2022.
“The lifting of the state of the national disaster eases our preparation and planning, and it will allow us to move swiftly in finalising our official programme of events, delegations and other planned activities for AAD 2022. A detailed Standard Operating Procedure will be communicated once the Government regulations are in place, in the next 30 days. We look forward to welcoming everyone back soon”, concluded Ndlovu.
AAD – a gateway into the African market – is the largest Defence and Aerospace exhibition on the African continent and has been an important platform for international players to showcase innovation and capability.
Standard rates for bookings are still open and will end on 30 April 2022, when new tariffs will apply.
SPACE AND EXHIBITION ENQUIRIES
For more queries please contact:
Acting Exhibition Director
Michelle Nxumalo
expodir@aadexpo.co.za
Sales and Administration
Busisiwe Nhlanhla
sales@aadexpo.co.za
Sponsorships and Branding
Nakedi Phasha
marketingcomms@aadexpo.co.za
Finance and Administration Manager
Portia Ngobeni
finance@aadexpo.co.za
SANDF to take Part in Rand Easter Show 2022
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will be participating in the 2022 edition of the
Rand Show in NASREC. The SANDF will once more utilise the Rand Show as an opportunity to
showcase and engage with the citizens of the country on a variety of careers and expertise within the
SANDF as well as to focus on the departments achievements, career outreach programme, training
opportunities, social responsibility and peace support operations in Africa.
The Rand Show will take place at NASREC Show Grounds in Gauteng and will be open to the public
over the period 13 – 18 April 2022. This years edition, the SANDF will not showcase an Arena programme and the Capability Demonstration.
The overall aim of the SANDFs participation is to educate and raise public awareness about the
SANDF as well as to bring the people`s defence force to the people. The SANDF’s participation will
include static exhibitions manned by communicators from the four (4) Arms-of-Service and the various
Divisions.
At this stage its not quite clear yet what aircraft from the SAAF South African Airforce will be taking part in this years Rand Easter Show, in previous years, various helicopters have taken part including Oryx,A109 and Rooivalk. Fixed wing assets including the Silver Falcons, Casa 212 and Gripen and Hawk.
AERO South Africa confirmed to take place from the 7-9 July 2022, at Wonderboom National Airport, Tshwane
Messe Frankfurt South Africa is excited to announce that the second edition of AERO South Africa, Africa’s premier event for the General Aviation Industry, will take place from the 7-9 July 2022, at Wonderboom National Airport in Tshwane. The first edition was an overwhelming success and welcomed over 4200 visitors, with over 100 exhibiting companies showcasing the industry’s latest innovations from 14 aviation sectors, across 4000sqm. The three-day event is organised by Messe Frankfurt South Africa in partnership with fairnamic GmbH – the new joint venture of Messe Frankfurt and Messe Friedrichshafen who organise Europe’s largest General Aviation Show – AERO Friedrichshafen.
“The feedback from the inaugural edition of AERO South Africa was extremely positive. We have already seen an unprecedented level of interest from companies wanting to exhibit at the event. To date we are proud to announce that we have confirmed Bose, Bell Helicopters, Concorde Battery, Airbus Helicopters Southern Africa, Pooley’s, Spidertracks, Avcon Jet, Wings n Things, DJA Aviation, Aviation Direct together with SA Weather Service, Aeronautical, Blue Chip Flight School, Sling Aircraft, Get-Wings International, Vektor International, Readiness Squared, Flyfofa and Vitalmed,” says Annelie Reynolds, Portfolio Director at Messe Frankfurt South Africa.
“We are also honoured to have the support of the City of Tshwane as the host city. Wonderboom Airport is the ideal location for our event as it is one of the only venues in South Africa that can accommodate aircraft fly-ins for visitors and demo flights for aircraft OEMs and distributors, allowing for a first-hand experience to a prospective buyer during the purchase process. This not only allows our exhibitors to demonstrate their products, but also makes it more convenient for people to attend the event from around the country. In 2019, AERO South Africa welcomed over 250 fly-ins“‘ Says Reynolds.
Tobias Bretzel, Show Director of AERO Friedrichshafen adds: “We are very pleased to see how AERO South Africa is evolving and I`m strongly convinced that the show will become/ be the most important platform for the General Aviation for both fixed and rotary wing but also for Business Aviation industry in the region. AERO Friedrichshafen taking place from 27 – 30 April 2022 in Friedrichshafen Germany will strongly support the 2nd edition of the South African event.”
The event will benefit the local economy, as it brings South African and international suppliers to the City of Tshwane and connects them to private airplane and fleet owners, pilots as well as potential buyers.
“We in the Economic Development Division believe the City of Tshwane is the host of choice for the biggest General Aviation Exhibition in Africa, because the City is the hub for General Aviation in Southern Africa. We are fully committed to support Messe Frankfurt in hosting the AERO 2022, 2023 and 2024 General Aviation Exhibitions at Wonderboom National Airport and believe these editions will eclipse the successful event of 2019“, said Christiaan van der Wath, Deputy Director: Aerospace Sector Support at City of Tshwane.
Both exhibitors and visitors expressed their satisfaction with this first-time business-to-business showcase, focusing solely on the niche market of General Aviation. “The show was a roaring success and certainly met our expectations and those of our exhibitors and visitors. We are confident that AERO South Africa will become the premier promotional platform for the General Aviation and we look forward to participating at the next edition,” said Guy Worthington, Executive Director at Absolute Aviation after the 2019 event.
Fanie Jansen, the GM of Hiconnex, an aftermarket parts supplier commented that “AERO South Africa connects the right people with the right industry. It is a firm platform to market your brand to a niche market.”
General Aviation businesses are booking their space at the event at a rapid pace, and it is advisable to enquire about stand availability soon! For stand bookings, contact Annelie Reynolds, Show Director on annelie.reynolds@za.messafrankfurt.com or on 083 308 1251.
Website: www.aerosouthafrica.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AEROExpoSA
Twitter: www.twitter.com/AEROExpoSA
Background information on Messe Frankfurt
The Messe Frankfurt Group is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. The Group employs approximately 2,300* people at its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and in 30 subsidiaries around the world. In 2021, the company had to contend with the challenges posed by the pandemic for the second consecutive year. Annual sales will be approximately €140* million after having been as high as €736 million in 2019 before the pandemic. Even in difficult times caused by the coronavirus pandemic, we are globally networked with our industry sectors. We have close ties with our industry sectors and serve our customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of the Group’s key USPs is its closely knit global sales network, which extends throughout the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are expanding our digital expertise with new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. Headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent).
For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com
* Preliminary figures for 2021
Do you want the Russians to return?
During the past week those in Gauteng were treated to some special visitors… the Russians, an African first for the landing of The Tupolev Tu-160 in Africa, and that in our very own South Africa.
The General that headed the team that visited South Africa mentioned the they might return soon during the farewell function held Friday evening.
One of the crew also dropped that they could be returning in 2020 during the time spend at O.R Tambo international Airport.
2020 We see the next Addition of Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD2020) and also be celebrating SAAF100. Just maybe they will return!
Loading ...Below is and video of the Tupolev Tu-160’s departing ORTIA in the early hours of Sunday morning.