flight for a nation

The 1995 Rugby World Cup Final was the start of what has become a tradition of South African Airway's involvement in major international events.

The flypast of a Boeing 747 over Ellis Park Stadium was seen as a meaningful display of patriotism. So popular was this flypast that it was repeated when Bafana Bafana, South Africa's national soccer team, played in the Africa Cup of Nations several months later. As official carrier of the South African Olympic team, SAA decided to paint one of its jumbos in brilliant colours and this aircraft visited several cities performing graceful flypasts in formation with four F1 Mirage fighter aircraft of the South African Air Force, leaving many South Africans in awe.

The goal was now set for three Boeing 747 aircraft to fly in formation over the Union Buildings just after the new President of South Africa took the oath.

This is the story of that unique Boeing 747, Three Ship, formation.

Directed by Marais Wessels

Produced by Vision by Light in association with South African Airways.

Duration: 26 minutes

Language: English