Category Archives: Upcoming Aviation events news

ADDRESS BY DEPUTY MINISTER OF DEFENCE AND MILITARY VETERANS, ON THE OCCASION OF THE OFFICIAL AAD2020 LAUNCH

Programme Director;
Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Solly Shoke;
Chief Defence Materiel, Dr Mthobisi Zondi;
HE High Commissioner Nomathemba Tambo and the SA Embassy office;
Armscor Deputy Chairperson, and members of the Board;
AMD Chairperson and members of the Board;
Representatives of the dti;
South African exhibitors;
AAD international agents and partners;
Captains of Defence Industry;
Members of the media;
Ladies and gentlemen

Under the theme “Unlocking Africa’s Aerospace and Defence Potential”, I welcome Ministries of Defence of various countries present here today, our International Partners and agents, captains of the global defence industry, members of the media and other distinguished guests.

AAD is the largest aerospace and defence exhibition in Africa and the ONLY one of its kind, boasting a successful combined exhibition of air, sea and land technologies, a static aircraft display and an air show. Significantly, AAD is the largest assembly of African leaders and decision makers, undoubtedly a gateway to doing business in Africa and a key catalyst and partner to unlocking business potential and partnerships.

In his opening speech at AAD 2018, Hon President Cyril Ramphosa highlighted the significant opportunity that the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition offers in identifying and converting areas of synergies into joint ventures. These business ventures invariably translate into technology growth, employment, skills development and economic stimulus.

By hosting this event, South Africa showcases its interest in growing
the economy and that of its neighbouring countries through leveraging intellectual property into tangible products and export contracts.

Planning for AAD2020 is well underway, with 40 % of the space booked and the organisers are working tirelessly to ensure that the 11 th edition of AAD is a resounding success for all the exhibitors, key partners and trade visitors. Testimony to this is that just in the last 2 days, the organisers have successfully signed up both Belgium and the USA as national pavilions and we await all other defence producing nations to do the same in the
next few weeks.

AAD is expected to attract over 400 exhibitors from at least 35 countries, over 10 00 000 visitors a day to AAD – many of them decision-makers in the global Defence, security and aviation sectors. The 2020 edition will also offer participants strategic platforms to engage in dialogue and discourse on international aerospace and Defence and other related best practices.

In closing, you may have noted that in his address at the Swartkop Air Show on the 7th of September, the Chief of the SA Air Force – Lt Gen ZF Msimang – noted that AAD 2020 takes place not only in SA’s Heritage Month of September but also in a year that marks the centennial commemoration of the SAAF as the second oldest Air Force in the world.It is no secret that for a very long time, the history of the SAAF has been one dimensional
and has often been told from the perspective of our erstwhile predecessors who sadly were also our colonisers and oppressors. Such an approach to our history has managed to diminish and undermine the cold weight of oppression and humiliation that was felt by the majority. In the interest of advancing the SA nation building project, we therefore are duty bound to reconfigure the SAAF and SANDF heritage landscape to ensure that it
reflects the diversity and the incredible efforts all South Africans and especially those who fought for the liberation of SA from the clutches of apartheid. It is in this context that the SAAF has chosen the theme of “100 years of Air Power, through 25 years of Democracy”. Commencing on the 1st of February 2020, SAAF 100 will culminate in the spectacular displays of air superiority in the 2 public days of AAD 2020 and we invite all Air Forces to bring their assets in celebration of this momentous achievement.

Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, I now declare AAD2020 officially Launched, and I invite you save the dates September 16th to 20th of September 2020 at the AFB Waterkloof in Tshwane. South Africa is open for business and partnerships to mutually benefit us all.

Thank you

SAAF Museum Airshow Media Briefing 2019

The morning of Tuesday 3rd September 2019,corrospondents from different media houses were invited for a media briefing presented by the South African Airforce Museum Officer Commanding Lieutenant Colonel Melvin Bruinjies and Major Ntokozo Ntshangase at Swartkop Air Base West Auditorium.

Lieutenant Colonel Melvin Bruinjies

The Theme for this years show as mentioned in the briefing is “Our Collective Heritage” this meaning all types of Airwings during the Liberation movement, Homelands Venda, Ciskei ,Bophuthatswana and past SAAF Aircraft celebrating their former centenary over the years.

Lieutenant Colonel Melvin Bruinjies addressing the media

Colonel Bruinjies mentioned that full SAAF Museum Aircraft inventory including Harvard’s, Cessna C185, Puma, Alouette II & III, Bosbok, Kudu and much more would take to the skies on Saturday, including a number civilian types and as well as a number of current SAAF Aircraft.

SAAF Museum Alouette II & III validated on 2019-09-03

Gates will open at 7am on Saturday morning for the public and paring will be made available around the Bases surroundings. There are 90 vendors that will be at the show, which will range from food stalls to memorabilia etc.

SAAF Museum Alouette III

Tickets available at Computicket , Click here

R80 Adults

R30 Children between the ages 12-16

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Silver Falcons Ready for Annual Bethlehem Airshow 2019 this weekend

The South African Airforce Silver Falcons Aerobatic team will be making their way to the eastern Free State this Wednesday as they get ready for the Bethlehem Airshow this Saturday the 24th August 2019.The aircraft and crew are based at Air Force Base Langebaanweg in the Western Cape.

The team made up of five Pilatus PC7MKIIs which will grace the skies over Bethlehem. Their last show in Bethlehem was in 2017.The team is lead by Major Omphile Matlone, Major Tian Stander, Major Bheki Shabungu and Major Sivu Tangana. The teams GLO Captain Xander Albasini.

A new member of the team is also in training at the moment and will be made public to the media soon. Other aircraft that will be taking part in the show will be a SAAF Gripen from 2 Squadron,44 Squadron CASA 212 and Oryx/A109 and the Golden Eagles Parachute Display Team.The likes of Little Annie AN2,Puma Flying Lions, Raptor Rvs and a lot more.

2 Squadron Gripen
44 Squadron Casa 212

Bethlehem is a large town in the eastern Free State province of South Africa that is situated on the Liebenbergs river along a fertile valley just north of the Rooiberg Mountains on the N5 road.

Radio Station OFM will be broadcasting live from the spectacular Bethlehem Airshow on Saturday the 24th of August 2019.

Bethlehem Airshow 2019

Venue: Bethlehem Airfield

Date: 24 August 2019 (08:00 – 16:30)

Cost: R70 (adults), R20 (children 3-12), Free (kids under 3);

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P51D “Mustang Sally” To Return to SAAF Museum Airshow

Well known businessman and airshow display pilot Menno Parsons will be bringing his P51D Mustang to this years SAAF Museum Airshow on the 7th September 2019,at Airforce Base Swartkop in the city of Tshwane.

Days remaining the 2019 Swartkop airshow!

The P51D “Mustang Sally” is the only type of its kind airworthy in South Africa, this attractive looking warbird last flew at the SAAF Museum Airshow in 2015.

P51D ‘Mustang Sally’

The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang is an American long-range, dual-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during World War II and the Korean War, among other conflicts. The Mustang was designed in 1940 by North American Aviation in response to a requirement of the British Purchasing Commission.

The theme for the 2019 Airshow is “Collective Heritage” Tickets will be on sale via Computicket.
Tickets this year will cost R80 over the age of 16, ages 12 to 16 will be R30 and under the age of 12 free.

More information of the SAAF Museum Airshow will follow soon. Remember this will be the only airshow in the Pretoria, Johannesburg region this year!

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Ticket Prices for the SAAF Museum Airshow 7th September 2019

Venue- AFB Swartkop,City of Tshwane

R80 (Adults)

R30 Age groups between (12 -16)

Under 12 free

Tickets available at Computicket

Breaking News-SAAF Museum Airshow set for 7th September 2019

Days remaining to Swartkop Airshow 2019

The South African Airforce Museum Airshow is set to take place at Airforce Base Swartkop in Pretoria on Saturday 7th September 2019.The Officer commanding of AFB Swartkop confirmed with Aviation Central the official date has been set for the 7th September and NOT the 31 August 2019.

Join the Facebook event page, click here 

We look forward to working with the SAAF and the Museum as we get ready for another successful airshow that will once again take place over Pretoria skies.

Tickets this year will cost R80 over the age of 16, ages 12 to 16 will be R30 and under the age of 12 free.

Keep an eye out on our social media pages for more information on the upcoming Airshow.

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Klerksdorp Ready for Aerobatics and Airshow this weekend

Some of South Africa’s local aerobatic Nationals are currently taking place at Klerksdorp Airport in the North West Province of South Africa. The P.C. Pelser Aerodrome will be abuzz with many aerobatic aircraft for the next couple of days. Local Radio presenter Alex Caige from 94.7 also graduated and will be flying in the Sportsman’s class in a Zlin50LS.

94.7 Highveld radio presenter Alex Caige flying the Zlin 50
Zlin 50

Airshow 22 June 2019

Saturday after the finishing of the national Aerobatic Champs, Klerksdorp will have a an Airshow, with many of the favourite airshow regulars such as the Flying,Lions,Team Extreme and many more. Capital Sounds will be the Broadcaster of the event and bringing you all you need to know during the course of the 22 June 2019.

Show starts at 11am, BUT gates open a 7 as Saturday morning will see the final rounds of the South African Sport Aerobatic Club National Championships. The Camps starts on Wednesday 19th, so if you can get to Klerksdorp please go and support our great aerobatic guys, Not only the pro’s but the young and upcoming guys as well.

Team Extreme
WesBank Botswana International Air Show 2019
Flying Lions

All the Big names will be competing over 3 days. +/- 30 Competitors had entered the SAC National Champs

19-21 June – Free to go and support our Aerobatic pilots
22 June – R50 per Adults and R20 per Kid to see the Final rounds and a Full Airshow from 11am to 4pm

Get your tickets at any Pick n Pay or online at #Webtickets
Ticket link https://www.webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=1492090715

List known of Competitors at time of article

Some of the aircraft that will fly in the Nationals

Pitts S2B
Extra 330SC
Slick 360
Yak52
Extra 300LP
Extra 330SC
Extra 330 LC & Extra 330LX
Vans RV8
Zlin 50
Yak 55

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Closing in fast-The Makgadikgadi Epic

The Makgadikgadi Epic is closing in fast which is set to be another successful skydiving boogie, with skydivers from around the world, are coming see Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, and precisely, in the Nata Bird Sanctuary.

Makgadikgadi is synonymous with awesome birding experiences and open natural landscapes that will be a marvel from any view, be it from the ground or above.

The event will take place at Sowa pan, which is the same venue as Race For Rhinos which we have visited in past years. We will see the first jump from 12 – 15 July 2019.

Aircraft that will be jump ships from the start of the event will be Atlas Angels as well as a Botswana Defence Force C130 and Casa 235 which will take bigger loads of skydivers.

The main objective of the event is to give travellers to Botswana, Is a lifetime unique experience to capture the majestic wildlife and a an uncultivated area.

With the Parachute Assosioan of Botswna,Gabarone Skydiving Club,Botswana Defence Force and Botswana Tourism on board and many others, You don’t want to miss out on this event. Stay up to date with our Facebook page and website for more information closer to the event.

2019 Schedule

Thursday, 11 July 2019

18:00

Arrival – Licensed Skydivers

Friday, 12 July 2019

08:30

Briefing – Licensed Skydivers

18:00

Arrival – Members of the Public, Tandem Passengers

Saturday, 13 July 2019

06:00

Start – Tandem Skydives

Monday, 15 July 2019

18:00

Last Operational Day


Facebook pages

Makgadikgadi Epic, 2019 Event page – https://www.facebook.com/events/2316344431977757/

Makgadikgadi Epic, page –
https://www.facebook.com/Makgadikgadi-Epic-1925115194401236/

Parachute Association of Botswana, page – https://www.facebook.com/Parachute-Association-of-Botswana-391366344374851/

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Mafikeng Airshow 2019, a sneak peek

The 2019 Mafikeng Air Show

Cancelled

About The 2019 Mafikeng Air Show

On 22 June 2019 the skies above Mafikeng will be filled with the sound of aircraft when the Mafikeng Air Show takes place. Visitors to this year’s show can expect some of the best aerobatic displays that are available in South Africa. A variety of solo and formation aerobatics and parachute jumping will be presented to the spectators. Apart from the air show, there will be a learner expo on Friday 21 June where the focus will be on introducing aviation to the learners of Mafikeng. The air show will have something for everyone. A kiddie’s zone, food and hawker stalls and a beer garden will be there to make the day enjoyable. For the adventurous there will be helicopter flips. This year the air show is presented and organised by MAMCO, the company that manages the Mafikeng airport and Neo Heights, an aviation services company. There are a number of other role players such as Air Traffic and Navigational Services, the SAPS, the local Mafikeng Traffic Department, the Emergency Services and staff of the Mafikeng airport. Capital Sounds will be giving live commentary and music. Air Show South Africa coordinates these various groups to ensure that the air show will be safe for participants and spectators. This is the first air show in the North-West Province in the last few years and the only show in North West this year. The Mafikeng Air Show on 22 June is an event that everyone must attend. It promises to be a real monate experience.

Tickets for The 2019 Mafikeng Air Show
Tickets available online at ticketpro, click here to get yours now

R50 – Kids

R100 – Adult

R500 – VIP

VIP benefits includes:

– Golf cart carriage to VIP Marquee

– VIP Parking

– all day finger foods

– pilot meet and greet

Aircraft @ The 2019 Mafikeng Air Show

Cancelled

Some of the Aircraft that will be attending is The Flying Lions led by Selwyn “Scully” Levin, Dennis Spence and the Goodyear Eagles, Little Annie, Menno Parsons and Mustang Sally, Pierre Gouws and Many more. The South African Air Force will also take part at The 2019 Mafikeng Air Show.
SAAF Aircraft includes SAAB Gripen, CASA, Silver Falcons, Oryx and the A109


Fly- in to The 2019 Mafikeng Air Show

The Mafikeng Air Show will host an early morning Flyin with a breakfast for Flyin Pilots and crew. Airshow officially starts at 12h30, Lots of time for you to Fly in and have a Brekkie with the Guys at Mafikeng Airshow

Cancelled

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Rasesa ready for takeoff- WesBank Botswana International Airshow

The WesBank Botswana International Airshow is almost ready for takeoff to give the people of Botswana and other international visitors a day of spectacular aerobatic sequences from both old and new aircraft.


Matsieng Airfield (ICAO: FBMA) is a new Airfield which has been around since 2011. The airfield is located near Rasesa, 44 kilometres north of Gaborone Botswana.

The highlight for some is definitely the fly-in experience where pilots fly-in for the weekend and camp under the wing of their aircraft or even camp in the set up tent area where ablution blocks are available as well as log fires, that are made available for braai packs and other needed necessities during the weekend.

Aircraft that will be making a welcome back appearance will be the only airworthy P51 Mustang in Southern Africa, owned and flown by Master Power Technologies Menno Parsons. He will also have his Bell 407.Other helicopters that will be displayed will be the NAC Bell 430 flown by Alister Brown. Team Extreme will be making their full team debut made up of Nigel Hopkins in his Extra 330,Jason Beamish in his brand new Extra 330,Mark Hensman in his MX2 and finally Mark Sampson in his Sbach. Other favourites will be the L29 and L39 Jet trainers, AN2 ‘Little Annie’ Harvard’s ,Pitts Special teams and many other aircraft. Program to be posted soon!

P51D Mustang
Bell 407
Bell 430
Team Extreme
Jason Beamish”s new Extra 330

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Entrance gates: Gate 1 (on site map)https://www.botswana-airshow.com/index.php/info/maps

Gates open: Saturday from 9:00 to 16:00
Air Show ends: 17:00

Entrance fees: P120 per adult; P60 per child (6-17 years); Under 6 years – free if accompanied by paying adults.

Tickets available at the following PUMA outlets

·         PILANE

·         PHAKALANE

·         BBS

·         RAILPARK

·         TLOKWENG

·         FAIRGROUNDS

·         PULA SPAR

·         GRAND PALM

·         KGALE VIEW

·         TLOKWENG EXPLOSION

·         FRANCISTOWN

·         MAHALAPYE

·         PALAPYE

·         MOLEPOLOLE

·         KANYE

·         Also available from PHARMA LULU @ Westgate Mall

IMPORTANT NOTICE

  • No food or beverages will be allowed through the gates.
  • Empty cooler bags will be allowed through the gates.
  • No picnic or recreation of any sort will be allowed in the parking area.
  • No buses exceeding 8 people seated.
  • No admission will be granted without a valid entry ticket or permit.
  • The public shall enter and use the parking area as well as the premises at their own risk and the organisers and the owners of the premises cannot accept liability for any loss or injury to any person or property.
  • Any form of misbehaviour or criminal activity will be handed over to the members of the Botswana Police Service.
  • The public may not enter any fenced off zone allocated to aeroplanes and other vehicles. Trespassers will be escorted off the premises immediately without refund of any kind.
  • Members of the public are strictly not allowed to access the Hospitality tent area.

Us at Aviation Central cant wait to share a fantastic day with the people of Botswana in the next couple of weeks, we sure are super excited. Keep an eye on our social media pages and website for more updates to follow!

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SANDF to wow crowds at this years Rand Easter Show

Agusta A109LUH during an medical extraction

The South African National Defence force will once again take part and exhibit at this years Rand Easter Show at the Expo Centre Nasrec, south of Johannesburg.

The Show which was first organised in 1894 and attracted 3000 visitors quickly became part of South African heritage attracting industries and dignitaries from around the globe and has always been a firm favourite with the public, with a record 848,332 visitors attending in 1989.

2 Squadron JAS39C Gripen during the 2018 Rand Easter Show mock attacks.

The 125th Celebration promises to be one of the best shows ever with the introduction of fantastic, on trend, content. This will include Africa’s biggest celebration of the global sensation game, Fortnite, new reality cooking and talent shows, a beautifully presented Flower and Décor pavilion, a world class international Fitness Expo, Military displays, Drum Majorette Gold Cup and so much more.

SAAF Helicopter formation in 2018

The South African Airforce cockpit ambassadors will once again grace the skies over Johannesburg led by Major Omphile Matloane. Low flying aircraft will also be busy over the north of Johannesburg as they fly from AFB Swartkop and AFB Waterkloof for the first couple of days of the Rand Easter Show. Note the SANDF Capability display will take place for the first 4 days of the opening of the show.

Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team

More details on what aircraft and other SANDF assets will be posted once confirmed.

Oryx Helicopter landing in the arena where the capability demonstration will once again take place.
Events program
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