During the 1960s, the South African Air Force recognized the requirement for an inshore maritime patrol and fisheries surveillance aircraft. With an already established relationship with Piaggio the P-166 was chosen. Named Albatross in SAAF service, the first was delivered in October 1969; 896 was delivered in March 1974. The fleet was retired in 1992/1993 and replaced by Dakotas, the very aircraft the Albatross replaced. 896 served with 27 Sqd its entire service life and arrived at the SAAF Museum Ysterplaat in October 1991. Photographer unknown

During the 1960s, the South African Air Force recognized the requirement for an inshore maritime patrol and fisheries surveillance aircraft. With an already established relationship with Piaggio the P-166 was chosen. Named Albatross in SAAF service, the first was delivered in October 1969; 896 was delivered in March 1974. The fleet was retired in 1992/1993 and replaced by Dakotas, the very aircraft the Albatross replaced. 896 served with 27 Sqd its entire service life and arrived at the SAAF Museum Ysterplaat in October 1991. The Albatrosses carried the squadron crest on either side of the nose

During the 1960s, the South African Air Force recognized the requirement for an inshore maritime patrol and fisheries surveillance aircraft. With an already established relationship with Piaggio the P-166 was chosen. Named Albatross in SAAF service, the first was delivered in October 1969; 896 was delivered in March 1974. The fleet was retired in 1992/1993 and replaced by Dakotas, the very aircraft the Albatross replaced. 896 served with 27 Sqd its entire service life and arrived at the SAAF Museum Ysterplaat in October 1991.