South West African Airways
South West African Airways was the first commercial air service in South West Africa (now Namibia). It operated from 1930 until 1935, when it was taken over by South African Airways.
History
South African military forces occupied German South West Africa during World War I, and South Africa continued to administer the territory after the war, under a mandate from the League of Nations.
In 1930, the administration invited tenders for an air mail and passenger carrier service. The successful tenderer was the Junkers aircraft company in Germany, which then formed South West African Airways. Naturally, SWAA's fleet consisted of Junkers.
The SWAA's red and white logo depicted three stylised aircraft within a circle.
SWAA flew mail and passengers on routes in South West Africa, and into South Africa.
In 1932, SWAA amalgamated with Union Airways in South Africa, but continued to operate under its own name. In 1935, South African Airways, which had taken over Union Airways in 1934, bought out SWAA.
References
- Illsley, J.W. (2003). In Southern Skies.