Plans for the Cape Town Winelands Airport near Durbanville are advancing after South African entrepreneur and managing director of rsa.AERO, Nick Ferguson, announced that the private airport group has signed a 15-year agreement with the German airline Lufthansa Group.
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Ferguson stated that the airport is poised to become a ‘destination alternate’ airport for travellers in Cape Town, rivalling Cape Town International in capacity and handling more air traffic.
The Winelands airport plans include a R7-billion expansion for a Code F runway, extending 3 500 metres, to accommodate aircraft as large as an Airbus A380, which Cape Town International cannot handle.
The expansion will also feature a plaza, hotel, conference centre and wine-tasting facilities. The airport is expected to be off-grid for water and electricity, utilising solar and biogas power generated from chicken manure.
During a presentation to investors and tenants on Thursday, Ferguson highlighted the limited options for airport hubs in South Africa, apart from Cape Town International and O.R. Tambo in Johannesburg.
Consequently, travelling between airports can result in considerable fuel costs for airlines.
He explained, ‘We live on an island in Cape Town, and we have traffic at our airport. We are currently 1 270 km away from Johannesburg. Any bigger plane has to designate an alternate airport. If they arrive at a destination and there is a problem, they will need to have fuel to go to another airport with the infrastructure and facilities to accept it. But the distance between Cape Town and Johannesburg is the same as between London and Berlin.’
Ferguson emphasised that significant industry savings could be realised once the Cape Winelands Airport becomes operational, currently planned for 2027.
An independent research model predicted that the industry could save an estimated R1.2 billion in that year, from a saving of 110 million kilogrammes of fuel and around 60 million kilogrammes of carbon emissions.
Ferguson mentioned that with traffic concentrated at Cape Town International, more airlines could be accommodated at the ‘destination alternate.’
The airport aims to capture 25% of the local market share, with one in every two passengers using its facilities by 2050.
‘Certain smaller planes cannot be accommodated at the [Cape Town International] airport during peak times, so we are making space to accommodate them.’
‘We can’t put all our eggs in one basket. If there is a failure at Cape Town International, we will be stuck with locals. This city relies on tourism,’ he noted.
He confirmed that the airport would cater to a different market segment than Cape Town International and mentioned that the group is in discussions with more major airlines, who have responded positively to the development.
Built in 1943, the Winelands Airport was originally known as Fisantekraal Airport, serving the South African Air Force during World War II.
Since then, it has functioned as a general flying field for the General Aviation (GA) sector, supporting flight training, aircraft maintenance, charter operations, and recreational flying. It features four concrete runways, each 90 metres wide, with lengths varying between 700 metres and 1 500 metres.
In 2020, Ferguson, along with private businessman Robert Hersov, purchased the land and established Cape Winelands Airport Ltd.
According to an airport spokesperson, Hersov stepped down as director in March this year due to other business commitments and is no longer involved in shareholding, management, or operations.
They said, ‘Hersov is still supportive of the development, but had other business interests that required his full attention.’
Phase 1 of the Winelands Airport is expected to be completed by 2027, aiming to accommodate 1.1 million passengers annually. Construction for the expansion is likely to commence as soon as next year.
However, Ferguson noted that the timeline is not fixed and formal applications to authorise the airport have yet to be submitted.
Residents are also encouraged to participate in the ongoing public participation process.
According to PHS Holdings, the consulting company overseeing the development, the group has not yet lodged a formal environmental impact assessment application.
Meanwhile, the Western Cape Government and Cape Town Municipality have shown their support for the development.
James Vos, Cape Town mayoral committee member for economic growth, said that the development would have a positive impact on the city’s economic growth and lead to job creation.
Overall, the construction of the airport is expected to create 60 000 jobs, including those generated during the construction phase.
‘The development of the airport infrastructure itself will generate employment during the construction phase, boosting the construction industry and related sectors. The positive ripple effects will be felt across various businesses, ultimately contributing to a more robust and resilient local economy,’ Vos said in written correspondence.
‘Establishing a new airport will undoubtedly enhance our connectivity, attracting domestic and international travellers. This increased accessibility catalyses economic development as it opens doors for tourism, business, and investment opportunities. The influx of visitors is bound to stimulate various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and services, thereby creating job opportunities for our residents,’ he added.
Meanwhile, residents have previously expressed concerns about noise pollution and increased air traffic once the development is complete.
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Picture: ER Lombard / Gallo Images