Phoebus Apollo Aviation began life with a flight school, which was set up in 1996, operating a single Cessna 152. In 1998, the company began scheduled cargo and passenger flights, using a fleet of three DC-4s and a single DC-3. These aircraft were used on flights to many countries in Southern Africa, including Angola, Congo, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Since 2002, the company has been the owner of one of the last Aviation Traders Ltd Carvair transport aircraft. These aircraft were converted from surplus DC-4/C-54 aircraft and designed to carry cars. The conversion required the movement of the flight deck to a raised position, over clamshell doors which allowed vehicles to drive onto the aircraft. In total, 21 aircraft were converted and only two remain in airworthy, or potentially airworthy condition.
The Carvair was used alongside the other classic transport aircraft, but hasn’t flown for several years. It was seen in 2008 lacking engines, however these have recently been refitted. It is possible that the aircraft may yet take to the skies again, but Phoebus Apollo have recently got into the jet transport business, so restoration must be a low priority.
The current fleet of aircraft operated by Phoebus Apollo consists of three DC-9s along with a classic fleet of three aircraft - a DC-3, DC-4 and the Carvair. In addition, the company also continues to operate a flying school, equipped with four Cessna 172s, one Cessna 152 and one Piper Aztec.
The company’s current operations are based mainly around the DC-9 fleet. Of the three aircraft operated, two are ex-Iberia DC-9-32 passenger aircraft, with the third being a DC-9-34F, which is equipped with a cargo door and able to operate as a freighter or passenger aircraft. The DC-9s are operated under the name Exclusive Alliance Airlines, and used on lucrative services throughout Southern Africa. These include scheduled routes from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport to Libreville (Gabon), Cotonou (Benin), Brazzaville and Pointe Noire (Congo).
Phoebus Apollo Aviation’s base at Rand Airport is a modern administrative and maintenance facility, which maintains a friendly, familial feel. Illustrating this atmosphere, the company has its own social club, partly consisting of a retired DC-3 fuselage, now equipped with a bar, grill and some comfortable seating!
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