Cape Town is on the brink of a transformative endeavour as billionaire Rob Hersov propels the development of the Cape Winelands Airport.
Hersov has been steering the planning and execution of this ambitious project, with significant progress being reported by Mark Wilkinson, the director of Cape Winelands Airport. According to a recent report from IOL, the airport’s expansion efforts are gaining momentum under the guidance of a professional team.
The expansion strategy encompasses a range of initiatives, including the enlargement of an existing runway, the enhancement of aeronautical facilities and the reinforcement of crucial infrastructure.
The collective efforts are expected to amplify aviation capacity, introduce redundancy to the region’s aviation network and reduce overall flying costs for the public.
While the details of the airport’s comprehensive plans remain guarded, Wilkinson assured that they are in the advanced stages of development.
‘We look forward to sharing them in the future. For now, we are operating as a small general aviation airfield offering training and charter flights in the most beautiful part of the world, and a location very drivable for residents of Cape Town and the Winelands, which we see as a future growth node for the region,’ he disclosed to IOL.
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Rob Hersov’s acquisition of the former Fisantekraal airstrip in 2021 marked the initiation of his transformative vision for the region. What was once a small airstrip is now poised to be a bustling secondary hub for Cape Town’s aviation sector, aptly rebranded as Cape Winelands Airport.
With a rich history dating back to its origins as an ex-South African Air Force airfield, the airport is situated approximately 13 kilometres northeast of Durbanville and spans 150 hectares of prime land.
Originally transferred to the local municipality in the 1960s and later sold to a private owner in 1993, the airfield’s destiny took a new trajectory under Hersov’s ownership.
His aspirations for the Cape Winelands Airport are substantial, encompassing the establishment of a comprehensive hub catering to both scheduled passenger flights and general activities, including non-scheduled private flights.
The airport’s distinct charm emanates from its strategic proximity to the captivating Cape Winelands and the town of Franschhoek.
Rob Hersov’s impressive portfolio includes founding the private jet service provider Marquis Jet Europe, later sold to Netjets. Beyond aviation, he has ventured into diverse sectors such as media, mining and consulting, solidifying his place among South Africa’s wealthiest individuals.
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Picture: Cape Winelands Airport