Air Rhodesia - Those embargo-busting jets
Eddy Norris
I do not think that Mitch Stirling ever expected the response that has been generated with his first article on the Boeing 720 |
Those embargo-busting jets The world was amazed when three Boeings suddenly joined Air Rhodesia's fleet in breach of United Nations sanctions. But offers of aircraft have come from several countries, says AL J. VENTER. SANCTIONS BUSTING Air Rhodesia's three Boeing 720 jets airliners were acquired after "dozens of false starts" in the airline's secret negotiations in several countries to buy passenger jets. Captain Pat Travers, the chief executive, revealed to me that they had received many offers of American, British and European aircraft, but there was always a hitch until the 720s were offered. Only a part of the story of their purchase can be told, and an element of mystique surrounds Salisbury Airport, where they can be glimpsed from behind high fences in the maintenance area. Although they are a familiar sight on training flights over the Rhodesian capital they are still a regular topic of discussion among Rhodesian where they came from, how they were acquired, and their cost. There were only a part of the story of their purchase can be told, and an element of mystique surrounds Salisbury Airport, where they can be glimpsed from behind high fences in the maintenance area. Although they are a familiar sight on training flights over the Rhodesian capital they are still a regular topic of discussion among Rhodesians - where they came from, how they were acquired, and their cost. The words Air Rhodesia painted on the fuselage against a white background — sleek lines, an elegant trim and demonstrating a new-found vitality in a country long hamstrung by mandatory United Nations sanctions — have turned quite a few heads. The cost, in cocktail party terms, ranges from R 280 000 each, to R6-million for the three. Similar sources are equally vague about how and by whom they were acquired. But ask people at Salisbury Airport about their new acquisitions and talk turns to other things. "But each time the deal was about to be concluded there was a hitch. Either the supplier did not have an adequate supply of spares or there were problems with the manufacturers involving legalities which ultimately came into conflict with United Nations sanctions. We inspected dozens of aircraft, and during this time our executives made numerous trips to Europe and elsewhere to inspect offered planes." Finally, said Captain Travers, the three 720s were offered. "The planes were waiting for us in Switzerland. It was a package deal, and not only was the product right, the price reasonable, but all other factors fitted into place. The deal was concluded." Although Captain Travers would not say how the three aircraft were delivered, another source provided this information. The aircraft were sold in Basle, Switzerland. Air Rhodesia crews who had undergone Boeing conversion courses were sent to fetch them. In their Calair colours they were flown first to Portugal and then to Salisbury. At some stage there was a brief delay while Air Rhodesia colours replaced those of Calair — a process which, reports have it, probably took place at a Portuguese military base. The galleys and toilets, usually the first place to show signs of wear and tear, are in good shape. The seats have been reconditioned, but the original armrests remain, and these do not indicate 14 years of use, as has been claimed by one critic of the purchase. Tell-tale signs are often that a screen or a cover has not been carefully screwed, glued or sewn back into place. These are sometimes left open in case further In spite of sanctions and a breakdown in the supply of spare parts Air Rhodesia has prospered. Where Rhodesian engineers could not obtain new parts from the manufacturers of the Viscounts in Britain these were designed from scratch and built in Rhodesia. While most African airlines battled with annual losses, Air Rhodesia has moved to a position of strength during her years of isolation. Figures released while I was in Salisbury show that the airline is carrying more passengers and covering more kilometres than did the old Central African Airways, which offered services throughout South and East Africa as well as regular routes to Europe. Passengers carried by Air Rhodesia during the past year totalled 367 000, almost 45 per cent up on the number carried by Central African Airways in its last year. Passenger kilometres flown increased from 172-million (by CAA) to 205-million (for Air Rhodesia) during the same period. The last word comes from Pat Travers: "The way for us in Air Rhodesia is going to be an uphill struggle. However, there is one saving grace — we are used to it." Above: Captain Tony Beck, the airline's chief pilot (right), is greeted on the tarmac at Salisbury Airport on his arrival from Europe with the first Boeing. He is seen talking to Mr. Ron Maskell, Mr. Henry Radnitz, head of Air Rhodesia's engineering division and Mr. Jack Cocking.
Above: Other changes are apparent — Air Rhodesia hostesses in their distinctive new uniforms.
Above: The man who engineered the sanctions breakthrough. Captain Pat Travers, chief executive of Air Rhodesia. He was formerly general manager of East African Airways. End Comments are always welcome, please mail them to Eddy Norris at ora...@gmail.com To view this article on line click on either of the image or on the link below:- Suggested reading. Air Rhodesia's Boeing 720s.... continued Sanction Slipping (Air Rhodesia's Boeings are worth a lot.) Regards |
Distributed to ORAFs Listing
