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; 884 was delivered the same December. The fleet was retired in 1992/1993 and replaced by Dakotas, the very aircraft the Albatross replaced. 884 was sold as ZS-NJX in June 1993. Written off 14 August 2011 in a controlled flight into terrain accident at Mamotswiri Peak near Tzaneen, Limpopo. Photographer unknown

The South African Air Force purchased 12 used Caravans. ZS-MEF was delivered 26 October 1988 and entered service with 41 Sqd. The Caravan fleet was given military serials after the 1994 elections but retained their civilian colour schemes. With the unification of all armed forces into the South African National Defence Force, the Caravans were given a more unified military look with national insignia and squadron markings. Written off as 3004 at Langebaanweg 3 March 2016. Registered N9699F prior to delivery. Photographer unknown