South African Airways, the air web of southern Africa
This page follows the building of South African commercial aviation around Allister Miller, Union Airways, South West African Airways and then South African Airways.
The plan recreates a broad domestic and regional web: Cape Town, the Karoo, Kimberley, Upington, Namibia, Botswana, Rhodesia, Johannesburg and the eastern coast.
The South African Airways network around the Junkers 52.
Connect mines, cities, mail and passengers.
A robust trimotor, perfect for this route.
Long distances, heat, plateaus and isolated fields.
Understanding the flight
This is a story of persistence. Allister Miller spent years convincing authorities that commercial aviation could exist in South Africa, until a state-supported network emerged.
The route is not limited to present-day South Africa. It shows a regional mesh where mail, passengers and economic needs meet.
Before departure
- Use the Ju 52 or a vintage trimotor able to handle long branches.
- Prepare desert legs with fuel, weather and diversion fields.
- Prefer morning departures over hot areas.
- Keep moderate altitude to feel the changes in terrain and climate.
Suggested route
Cape Town, Karoo and Kimberley
Cape Town, Beaufort West, Victoria West and Kimberley establish the inland base of the network.
FACT → FABW → FAVW → FAKM
Namibia and Botswana
Upington, Keetmanshoop, Mariental, Windhoek, Tshane, Gaborone and Maun provide the dry and isolated section.
FAKM → FAUP → FYKT → FYML → FYWE → FBTE → FBSK → FBMN
Rhodesia and Transvaal
Salisbury, Bulawayo, Pietersburg and Johannesburg place the network on the regional economic axis.
FBMN → FVCP → FVBU → FAPI → FAGM
Eastern coast and maritime return
Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth end the journey along the coast.
FAGM → FAVG → FAEL → FAPE
Experience tips
The network is best enjoyed over several days: dry interior, high plateaus, then coast.
Do not underestimate heat and distances. Even in simulation, they give the flight its character.
Copyright Michel Lagneau 2012