South African Airways (SAA) ordered 29 Lodestars during the late 1930's. War broke out before these aircraft were delivered, and on arrival they were directly placed in service with the South African Air Force (SAAF).

There were five exceptions, of which one was ZS-ATL, one of the aircraft currently housed at the SAAF Museum. The South African Railways Administration retained this aircraft for official use. The Lodestars served as transport aircraft and as ambulance aircraft in the SAAF. They could carry twelve passengers and was also used on the route from the Union to Cairo. The Lodestars were also used as VIP transport aircraft. A number of photos show General Smuts using these aircraft during visits to South African forces in the field. Six Lodestars were returned to SAA during 1944, so that the airline could re-establish a domestic service. After WWII, the remaining Lodestars were also returned to SAA, where they served until 1955. Two aircraft are currently displayed at the SAAF Museum, Swartkops, namely ZS-ATL and ZS-ASN.

ZS-ATL:

ZS-ATL (c/n 2058) named "Jan van Riebeeck" during its service with South African Airways. General Smuts often used this Lodestar as an executive transport aircraft. After WWII, successive Ministers of Transport used the aircraft in the same role. Comair bought the Lodestar from SAA in 1954 and used it up to November 1968. The aircraft is now finished in a representative camouflage colour scheme carried by SAAF Lodestars during WWII. See the gallery for more info.

ZS-ASN:

ZS-ASN (c/n 2026) named "Andries Pretorius" during its service with South African Airways. This aircraft served the SAAF with serial number 1372. After post-war service with SAA, this Lodestar was sold to the Aircraft Operating Company during 1954. The company returned the aircraft to SAA after being retired from service. It is displayed in its post-war SAA finish, of Natural Metal, complemented by Blue and Black markings and lettering. See the gallery for more info.

General colour notes:

The aircraft were delivered in the planned SAA finish of Natural Metal, with some colourful Blue markings and Black lettering. Initially during SAAF operations, these colours were retained. The only changes were the removal of the civilian registrations, these being replaced by SAAF serial numbers. Next the A, A1 and B-type roundels were added in the standard six positions, and eventually full-length fin flashes were added as well. Most of the aircraft were later camouflaged in Dark Green and Dark Earth upper surfaces, with Sky Blue under surfaces. One of the exceptions, however, was of course 1371 as modelled by Roger Best, which served as ambulance aircraft. Another aircraft that served as an ambulance aircraft was 1378, although this aircraft appeared in the camouflage colours. It would appear that some of the aircraft, serving in North Africa, had the Dark Green replaced with Mid Stone. After the war, the remaining aircraft that were returned to SAA were again finished in Natural Metal, complemented with Blue trim.