7Q-YKL 747SP AIR MALAWI c/n: 21133
Air Malawi was the state-owned national airline of Malawi until 2013 when flights were suspended because of its financial situation.
Code: QM : AML
Air Malawi only ever operated 1 x 747SP, and for a very short time. Only for Mr H. K. Banda’s state visit to London in 1985. 3 flights only.
THE LEASE
On April 2:nd 1985 South African Airways rolled one of their 747SP’s into the hangar for repaint into Air Malawi colours. The aircraft was ZS-SPB c/n: 21133 and the work order is seen below.
On April 11:th 1985 Air Malawi officially wet-leased 747SP ZS-SPB c/n: 21133 from South African. The aircraft was named: “Mulanje”.
THE FLIGHT
The aircraft departed JNB – Johannesburg Airport on April 13:th as QM152 for it’s London state visit with Malawi president Hastings Kamuzu Banda.
But first it made a stop in AMS – Amsterdam Airport where it landed on the 14:th of April.
ROUTE OF FLIGHT
AMSTERDAM STOP
It stayed in AMS for only 2 days, then departed for the short flight into LHR – London Heathrow Airport on April 16:th 1985.
LONDON
The president, H. K. Banda was welcomed by the Queen and travelled in the state carriage from Windsor Home Park upon Dr Banda’s state visit to Britain
Then the aircraft was parked for nearly a month before it departed again on May 10:th 1985 for JNB – Johannesburg Airport.
THE RETURN
They arrived in Johannesburg on May 11 at 12:50 local time.
END OF LEASE
The aircraft was returned to South African Airways after the short lease the same day.
Interesting fact, the Air Malawi 747SP never was in Malawi (the country)
Related Images:
