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On Saturday, May 4, the sky above Centurion will be buzzing with aeroplanes as the SA Air Force (SAAF) Museum’s 2024 Air Show takes to the air.

According to a promotional statement released by the SAAF, the air show, which is an annual event and the Museum’s primary fundraiser, will be entitled “A Flight Through Time: Legends of the Skies.”

The air show will be at its normal venue between what was the SAAF Gymnasium in Valhalla to the west, the N1 to the east and the SAAF Memorial on Bays Hill to the north with one difference: The name Air Force Base (AFB) Swartkop is gone and replaced by Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing, now home to the SAAF Museum and its headquarters.

This event will kick start with one of the Museum’s very own aircraft racing with the fastest train in South Africa, the Gautrain. The race will take place in the early hours of Wednesday morning starting at 06h00.

The SAAF statement proclaims that “aviation enthusiasts are to brace themselves for an extraordinary presentation of the 13th SAAF Museum Air Show, with this year promising to be a thrilling exploration of aviation history”.

“The flight through time theme speaks to the SAAF’s commitment to air dominance and technological advancement”.

Attendees are invited to immerse themselves in the shared legacy of South African aviation history – From the pioneering achievements of early aviators to the transformation of the South African aviation industry, brought on by the advent of democracy, which saw many incredible firsts- this year’s air show aims to pay homage to remarkable individuals and innovations.

The show programme is designed “to leave aviation enthusiasts in awe with breathtakingly diverse aerial displays and aerobatics, as well as up-close encounters with iconic aircraft from the SAAF, SA Police Service (SAPS) and South African aviation Industry at large. Prepare to be mesmerised by highly skilled pilots and historic aircraft that have left an outstanding mark on aviation history”.

Aircraft participation from both the South African Air Force, as well as civilian airshow display teams, is expected. As in previous years, the SAAF Museum’s static displays in and outside hangars will make for a memorable day for aircraft enthusiasts both young and old.

Tickets are available online at Ticketpros with a Gautrain park ‘n ride service from the Gautrain Centurion Station to the venue.