Boeing 747-200 (ZS-SAN)

ZS-SAS ” Lebombo” was first 747 to join SAA’s fleet in October 1971, but usually, it was in fact the airline’s 3rd 747 off the production line, the airlines first two aircraft were delayed due production issues in Seattle. The aircraft went on to spend 32 years in service. In 2004 she was withdrawn from use and donated to the SAA Museum.On 8th November 2004 the old girl took off for her final flight, after a few circuits around the eastern area of Johannesburg she touched down on the 15m wide runway at Rand Airport, knowing that the main gear measures about 13m width, it’s needless to say little room for error was left at landing, but the highly experienced crew landed the aircraft on the centreline at its final landing, and bringing to an end a flawless 32 year flying career.

Today she is on public display at the SAA museum.

Flew over the Ellis Park Rugby Stadium during the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final. It flew over twice with a message of good luck to the SA team painted on underneath the wings. (South Africa beat New Zealand 15-12 !)