South African Airways Museum Society - Germiston

South African Airways Museum Society - Germiston

The South African Airways Museum Society in Germiston is one of Gauteng’s most unusual attractions, offering visitors the chance to get remarkably close to the aircraft and memorabilia that tell the story of South African civil aviation. Based at Rand Airport, the museum was established in 1986 by people associated with South African Airways and aviation enthusiasts who wanted to preserve the country’s airline heritage.

The museum is very much a working, volunteer-run organisation rather than a conventional museum behind glass. Its collection includes historic aircraft, aviation equipment, photographs, uniforms, timetables, instruments and other memorabilia, while volunteers bring much of the collection to life with stories and practical knowledge. There is also an aviation library containing more than 1,000 books.

The biggest attractions are undoubtedly the large passenger aircraft displayed at the museum. The collection includes two Boeing 747s, including the Boeing 747SP famously known as Lebombo. This aircraft has a particularly strong place in South African sporting history: it was used for the spectacular fly-past over Ellis Park during the 1995 Rugby World Cup final. Visitors can go aboard the aircraft and see areas that ordinary airline passengers rarely get to explore, including the crew areas and flight deck-related features.

Other historic aircraft and exhibits help illustrate the development of aviation from the early propeller-driven era through to the age of large commercial jets. Among the aircraft associated with the museum are Douglas DC-4s, a Douglas DC-3 Dakota and a Junkers Ju 52, giving visitors an opportunity to compare several generations of aviation technology.

The museum makes a particularly enjoyable family outing, but aviation enthusiasts will find plenty to interest them too. Guided tours are available, with weekend tours offering additional insight into the aircraft and the airline industry.

Contact details for the South African Airways Museum Society:
Address: Dakota Crescent, Airport Park, Germiston
Tel: 076 879 5044
Email: see website
Website: https://saamuseum.co.za
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 15:30, with last entry at 14:30
Admission: (2026) is R60 for adults and R40 for children
- Large groups and school visits should be booked in advance

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