Namibia Commercial Aviation – A Legacy in Southern African Skies Namibia Commercial Aviation (NCA) was a charter airline based in Windhoek, Namibia, with its operations centered at Windhoek Eros Airport. Established in 1992, NCA was the successor to Hire & Fly, a company founded in 1977 by Chris Schutte, a former station engineer with South African Airways. Initially, Hire & Fly operated single and twin-engine Cessna aircraft before expanding its fleet and services. Aviation Milestones and Fleet Expansion In 1989, Hire & Fly acquired the Cessna fleet of Namib Air (now Air Namibia), significantly increasing its operational capacity. By 1992, the company operated seven Cessna 210s and up to eight twin-engine Cessna 310s. That same year, the company rebranded as Namibia Commercial Aviation, marking a new chapter in its history. A significant milestone for NCA occurred in December 1990 when the company received a contract from the United Nations to provide airlift services to war-torn Angola. To fulfill this contract, NCA acquired a Douglas DC-6A, registered as V5-NCB, which began operations in June 1991. A second DC-6A was acquired in September 1991. Both aircraft were leased to a Zairean airline in October 1993; however, one was repossessed the following year and sold. Restoration of Classic Aircraft In September 1992, NCA purchased 40 tons of spare parts for the Douglas DC-6 from the Zambian Air Force. This acquisition included two DC-6B aircraft that had been parked for 15 years. These aircraft were restored and registered in Namibia as V5-NCF and V5-NCG. V5-NCF, notable for being the second-to-last DC-6B built, had a distinguished history, serving as the presidential plane for Yugoslavian President Josip Broz Tito and later for Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda. After restoration, it was operated by NCA on tourist charters until it was sold to Red Bull in 2000. V5-NCG, the last DC-6B built, was restored by NCA and first operated on a revenue flight on March 31, 2001. This aircraft became a symbol of NCA's commitment to preserving aviation history. Legacy and Conclusion Despite its contributions to aviation, NCA ceased operations in the 2010s. However, the legacy of its classic aircraft, particularly the Douglas DC-6s, continues to inspire aviation enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. The story of NCA is a testament to the passion and dedication of those who strive to preserve the rich history of aviation in Southern Africa.