The 727 revolutionized domestic routes for American Airlines. Bringing high speed jet service with it's self contained turbine auxiliary power unit, rear air stairs and a wing with large flaps and high lift devices allowing operation from shorter runways and smaller cities. Delivered to American March 13, 1965, this 727 was stored at Tucson, AZ in October 1993. Going to Africa in 1994, it's been there ever since, first as ZS-NMY and finally S9-BOC. Last known stored at Upington, South Africa.

short lived carrier surviving only 4 months (photographer not known)

Built for American Airlines as N1991, then to Phoenix Airways in November 1994 before sold to Million Air Charter who leased it to Zimbabwe Express Airlines between December 1995, and June 1996. It was converted to a freighter in July 1996 and leased to Guardian Airfreight the same year and later Express Air Services before going to Transafrik in November 1999 as S9-BOC. Scrapped at Upington, Northern Cape in 2019.

Ex American Airlines N1991. Joined short lived Phoenix Airways in November 1994 to operate their schedules from Johannesburg to Cape Town, and Durban to Port Elizabeth. To Zimbabwe Express Airlines in December 1995, converted to a freighter in July 1996 to Guardian Airfreight in November 1996 and Million Air Charter in 1997. To Transafrik in November 1999 and re-registered S9-BOC. Withdrawn and stored at Upington SA (FUAP) for many years, eventually scrapped in 2019.

Upington seems to have the longest runway in South Africa. These 4 (ex) Transafrik 727's have been stored here for a few years and although they are running the engines regularly I doubt if they will ever leave again. The picture shows S9-BOC together with S9-BOD, S9-BOG and S9-BAG.