Summary

  • Rand Airport, originally Johannesburg’s first international airport, continues to operate as a hub for various aviation-related businesses.
  • Despite losing international status in 1999, Rand Airport remains essential for private and commercial aviation ventures.
  • The SAA Museum, founded in 1986, offers a rich collection of South African Airways memorabilia and aims to preserve the country’s aviation history.

Rand Airport, Johannesburg’s first international airport, is still in existence. While it no longer handles international flights, visitors can explore its South African Airways (SAA) Museum. The airport now serves as a hub for air charter operators, multiple flight schools, aircraft maintenance companies, pilot shops, car hire companies, and other aviation-related businesses.

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Photo: Rand Airport

Rand Airport’s history

The construction of Johannesburg’s first international airport started in Germiston in 1920. After 11 years, Rand Airport was officially opened in 1931. The first flight to arrive at the airport was operated by Imperial Airways, originating from London in December 1931. The airport’s proximity to Johannesburg increased its significance, and in 1935, SAA relocated its headquarters and maintenance division from Durban to Rand Airport. The airport was South Africa’s primary international airport until 1948.

Due to the growth of international travel and increased passenger numbers, the runways could no longer accommodate larger aircraft such as the Avro York aircraft. As a result, airlines began to relocate to Palmietfontein Airport with longer runways.

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Photo: Rand Airport

During World War II, the South African Air Force used Rand Airport as a base to service and maintain their aircraft fleet and store ammunition and bombs. Three hangars and a bomb dump were built at the airport. Some of the Harvards that were maintained and serviced in those hangars are still located at Rand to this day. However, they are now privately owned and used for aerial displays rather than pilot training.

Given Rand’s vibrant history, the primary terminal building has been declared a National Heritage Site. The Transvaal Aviation Club (TAC) became a famous gathering place for aviators and airport visitors. It was once the Mess for the officers of the SAAF and is now a heritage site.

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Photo: Rand Airport

Since October 1999, Rand Airport lost its international status when the Department of NIDS cut the number of international airports in the country, allowing one international airport per province. However, Gauteng allows two, OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) and Lanseria International Airport (HLA). Rand is still a busy airport providing private and commercial venture facilities and houses adequate facilities for the full spectrum of aviation-related requirements. Rand Airport was privatized in October 2000.

The airport provides refueling facilities and is one of the cheapest suppliers of Avgas in Gauteng. Safety is an important aspect at Rand Airport, and one of the services provided to pilots and aircraft owners is the extensive fire fighting facilities available. Rand Airport provides for hundreds of people, ranging from highly skilled workers to those with basic skills. Additionally, its central location offers employees easy and affordable travel options.

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The South African Airways Museum

The SAA Museum is a great attraction for scholars and aviation enthusiasts alike. Founded in 1986, the SAA Museum Society was created by individuals within SAA and outside parties interested in preserving the history of SAA and civil aviation in South Africa. The SAA Museum now houses a collection of South African Airways memorabilia, including photos, aircraft scale models, and static displays of classic aircraft, including two Boeing 747s that were donated by SAA in 2002.

The SAA Museum Society has a rich history of acquiring and restoring aircraft which are on display at the museum. In 1973, a ZS-ASN Lockheed Lodestar, the oldest aircraft to have served SAA to and from Egypt, was gathering dust in a South African Railways Museum storage building. Its instrumentation began to disappear from the cockpit, triggering Johann Prozesky and a SAA Apprentice Training School team to restore the Lockheed Lodestar. After months of hard work, ZS-ASN was restored to its former glory. Striking in the period color scheme, ZS-ASN made its public debut on an open day in 1975. This passion led people and hobbyists to volunteer their time and effort to preserve the aircraft for future generations to appreciate.

The SAA Museum Society regularly hosts open days to encourage the younger generation of South African’s interest in aviation as a potential career.

South African Airways Museum Society stated, “The SAA Museum Society’s aim is to create an awareness of the greatness of South African aviation and the role it has played in society.”

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Photo: SAA Museum

Rand Airport in Johannesburg, originally the city’s first international airport, remains operational today. It is now home to the SAA Museum and serves as a center for air charter operations, flight schools, aircraft maintenance companies, and other aviation-related businesses. Established in 1931, it was the main international airport until 1948, when operations shifted to accommodate larger aircraft. The airport boasts a rich history, including its role during World War II and its importance in developing aviation in South Africa.

The airport today

Despite losing international status in 1999, Rand Airport remains a significant hub for private and commercial aviation ventures. The SAA Museum is a key attraction for aviation enthusiasts and scholars, showcasing a vast collection of memorabilia, including two Boeing 747s. The museum society, founded in 1986, aims to preserve the history of SAA and civil aviation in South Africa, fostering an interest in aviation among the younger generation.

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