The South African Airways Museum Society marked the 50th anniversary of Boeing 747SP ZS-SPC “Maluti” on Saturday, 20 June 2026, with an event hosted inside the aircraft at Rand Airport.
The occasion brought together invited guests, aviation figures and museum supporters to recognise Maluti’s place in South African Airways history and the continued preservation work of the museum.
SAA Acting Group CEO Matshela Seshibe reflected on the role the Boeing 747SP played in SAA’s long-haul operations. He noted that the aircraft’s range and performance allowed the airline to connect South Africa with distant international destinations at a time when geography presented major challenges.
Maluti first flew on 4 June 1976 and was delivered to SAA shortly afterwards. Named after the Maluti mountain range, the aircraft became part of SAA’s long-haul fleet and operated on routes including Johannesburg–Perth and Johannesburg–Sydney. Seshibe also acknowledged the pilots, engineers, cabin crew, ground teams and operational staff who supported the aircraft throughout its service life.
A key theme of the event was the importance of preserving aviation history. Seshibe said that “history does not preserve itself” and thanked the SAA Museum Society, its volunteers and supporters for keeping an important part of the airline’s story accessible to future generations.
Councillor John Senona of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan City Legislature also addressed the event, focusing on the wider value of museums and heritage. He emphasised the importance of making museums accessible to young people, particularly learners who may never have had the opportunity to see or step inside an aircraft.
Captain Dennis Spence, who commanded Maluti’s final flight into Rand Airport on 30 September 2006, gave guests a practical view of the aircraft’s final journey. He reminded those present that although he is often remembered as the captain who landed Maluti for the last time, the flight was a team effort.
Spence spoke about the preparation required to bring the aircraft into Rand Airport, including the narrow runway, limited margins and technical work needed before the ferry flight. His remarks highlighted both the aircraft’s capability and the work of the people who made its preservation possible.
Captain Karl Jensen added further perspective from his years flying the Boeing 747. He spoke about the development of the 747SP, its shortened fuselage, large tailplane and the engineering choices that made it a distinctive aircraft. He also reflected on the privilege of flying the 747 for SAA and praised the museum team for the work done to preserve Maluti and the wider SAA story.
Today, Maluti remains one of the most recognisable aircraft at the SAA Museum. Its condition reflects the care and commitment of the volunteers and supporters who continue to maintain the aircraft and share South Africa’s aviation history with visitors.
Fifty years after her arrival in Johannesburg, Maluti no longer operates across long-haul routes, but she continues to serve as a preserved example of SAA’s aviation heritage and the people who helped build that history.
