Originally Posted by Contract Dog
I heard they are ex BDF....
Incorrect.
The aircraft were operated by Binter Canarias for many years. They were purchased by Luftmeister and brought to South Africa in 2000.
Luftmeister was bought out by SAFAIR not long after. The aircraft operated on a wet lease with Air Namibia, Tiko Air in Madagascar and also saw service on a UN contract during the Balkan conflict (operating out of Rome).
I believe they last flew in 2002. The aircraft are series 10 and not really suited to operate out of JNB - a massive MTOW penalty in hot and high operating environments means that they are simply not economical to operate away from the coast.
Although fun to fly, I would definitely not recommend their use in any operation that remotely approaches a part 121 type set-up.