The life expectancy of Planes: Planes you board may be older than you are!

Many South Africans may be surprised to learn that the average domestic aircraft is nearly 20 years old, with some planes still flying after four decades of service. However, aviation experts say age is not a reliable indicator of safety, with maintenance records, flight cycles and regulatory oversight playing a far more important role. The discussion explores how South Africa's fleet compares internationally, why older aircraft remain in service, and what passengers should know before boarding their next flight. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists.  A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”.  Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham  Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk  For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x  Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5  Follow us on social media:  CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.