I’ve always wanted to see what goes on behind the scenes of a South African airline.
So when FlySafair extended an invitation for me to tour their property to learn about the day to day operations, I gladly accepted.
Taking a flight for most is heading to the airport an hour or two before their departure, check-in, boarding and take off.
However, there’s so much that happens behind the scenes to ensure that travellers enjoy a safe flight.
FlySafair, in particular, employs hundreds of staff members, most of who work at the headquarters based in Johannesburg.
I visited on a warm Thursday morning.
The company, Safair, has a rich storied history that spans more than 50 years. It launched a low-cost carrier FlySafair seven years. FlySafair launched FlySafair Holidays this year and has a South Africa-Mauritius route on the horizon.
Marise Banks, the manager of Sales and Distribution at FlySafair, takes me on a tour of the property. She starts at the operations room where all the magic happens and moves to the call centre with people adorning their masks.
During the tour, I see a set of lockers that pilots once used for communication. The pilots, who now communicates via email, now use the lockers to store basic items for their upcoming trips.
After Banks introduces me to various parts of the operation, she leads me to the rooftop to enjoy a view of the planes. If you’re lucky, you may see a few planes take off and land.
Many employees take in the marvellous view in between breaks.
The real treat of the tour is in the hangar where the airline parades its signature pink, white and blue colours.
Bank first introduces me to the Lockheed Hercules L100C-30C, an old but prized possession of the company. She is a real stunner.
Safair has been operating the Lockheed aircraft since 1965. I climb up the cockpit to witness the maintenance unfold.
The interior is…