AVIATION history was made in Cape Town on Friday as two Airforce Oryx helicopters and an Alouette escorted the first of the Defence Force's new Lynx helicopters from Cape Town International to the Ysterplaat Airforce Base .

The two Lynxes were delivered from Agusta-Westland in the UK by a gigantic Antinov cargo aeroplane. Four have been ordered, and will primarily see duty on board the SA Navy's new frigates.

The helicopters, flying in formation, did a circuit around the City Bowl on Friday before flying up the West Coast and then landing at Ysterplaat, where the base's staff were gathered to witness the event.

For helicopter buffs it was something of a bitter-sweet day. There was great excitement as the new Lynxes flew into view, but it was one of the last times the Alouette III will be seen flying in our skies.

Ysterplaat's 22 Squadron is the only unit still operating the Alouette III. They will be withdrawn from service at a ceremony on August 3.

With acknowledgements to Cape Times