Issued by: Government Communication Information System
22 October 2002
The South African Air Force's new intercontinental aircraft, arrived last night at Airforce Base Waterkloof, in Pretoria.
The aircraft has been acquired to meet the demand for effective intercontinental air transport required by the Presidency and other senior government representatives. This requirement has significantly escalated during the last couple of years, since South Africa's return to the international fold and consequently South Africa's growing regional and international diplomatic initiatives and responsibilities.
The Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) was selected to meet this requirement due to its capability to transport delegations from Air Force Base Waterkloof, with its altitude and temperature conditions, on a non-stop flight to destinations some 10 185 km (5500 nm) away, allowing for possible en-route wind conditions and adequate fuel reserves required at the final destination.
The aircraft has been named Inkwazi, a Zulu word meaning African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus Vocifer). Most conveniently, the aircraft carries a civil registration number of ZS-RSA. It is owned by the SANDF on behalf of the country for utilisation by the Presidency and senior representatives of the government of the day.
The aircraft's interior has been designed and equipped to provide for in-flight work sessions. It includes proper resting facilities to allow the delegation to continue with their official duties on arrival. Facilities on board will allow limited emergency medical procedures to be performed on passengers.
A crew area is included to allow sufficient air crew to be carried as required by international air traffic regulations. This will allow significant monetary savings and better utilisation of available resources when compared to the currently required pre-positioning of slip crews while travelling with the Falcon 900 aircraft on intercontinental flights.
The cost of the equipped aircraft was US$ 51 million, which includes the cost of the basic aircraft, the design and fitment of the interior, the painting of the exterior in the South African paint scheme and the training of air and ground crews.
SAAF crews have completed their initial training at Boeing and Jet Aviation's facilities to allow them to operate and support the aircraft. The SAAF crew include pilots, flight engineers, technical support personnel and cabin attendants.
The SAAF crews will now commence their final phase of training and familiarisation of the aircraft for a period of approximately four weeks before it will be released to service.
The aircraft was flown on a non-stop delivery flight of approximately 9 450 km from Jet Aviation in Basel, Switzerland where the basic aircraft was fitted with its interior.
Issued by Sam Mkhwanazi
Spokesperson for the Minister of Defence
Tel: 083 628 0858