The skies above Tshwane were filled with more than just aircraft. They were filled with joy, laughter and the dreams of 1 000 children who experienced the magic of flight for the very first time. On 25 July 2025, Wonderboom National Airport proudly hosted the Children’s Flight, a community-driven charity initiative that provided an ideal first-time flying experience for 1 000 disadvantaged children between the ages of 6 and 13 years who have never flown and possibly may not experience flying in an aircraft in their lifetime.
Children’s Flight is more than an aviation experience – it is a transformative platform that introduces children from disadvantaged backgrounds to a world previously beyond their reach. By giving them the rare opportunity to fly, the event fosters inspiration, curiosity and a sense of possibility in fields such as aviation. Beneficiaries include orphans, children with disabilities and those facing serious or terminal illnesses.
This year marked the tenth anniversary of the nationally acclaimed programme that, over the past decade, has provided first-time flying experiences to thousands of underprivileged children across South Africa. The event was organised with the generous support and collaboration of multiple corporations, which included over 100 fixed-wing and rotary aircraft volunteered by aviation enthusiasts from across South Africa, and it treated children with special care to an unforgettable adventure in the air.
The event proceedings involved flights from various aircraft that included gyrocopters, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, hot air balloons and airliner exposure flights. Exciting ground entertainment, meals from various local fast food outlets and educational activities complemented the experience. The day was capped off with live airshows and aerobatics by prominent South African pilots, followed by a special “wings ceremony” honouring the children and pilots.
This initiative is a direct expression of the City’s vision for youth empowerment, social upliftment and educational opportunity. It brings together aviation professionals, volunteers, local businesses and community leaders in a spirited collaboration to ignite dreams and foster long-term interest in careers in aviation.
The host venue, Wonderboom National Airport, a hub of Tshwane’s aviation history set to celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2026, provides a fitting backdrop for the 2025 Children’s Flight, which honours both legacy and future aspirations.