581.Remembering South African AirwaysThe year was 1929, when Union Airways was formed, much like other pioneer airlines, as a mail carrier. By 1934 passenger services had been undertaken, but the airline was in distress. The South African government took over the operation, adding Southwest Airways a year later, forming the South African Airways which operated until 1940.
Following the war, service was restarted with a fleet of Lockheed Lodestars, and soon thereafter, the Avro York was used to provide an air service to England. By 1946, DC-4s were introduced, and the airline emerged as a modern international airline.
A long history of excellence and professionalism followed, both domestically and internationally. But the political revolution that ended apartheid also gradually impacted the operations of South African, and today we most likely are about to witness the end of this great airline.
Following is a post card history of South African Airways.
