The Cape Winelands Airport, based in Durbanville, hopes to service the entire general aviation industry and operate complementary to Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) in the foreseeable future.
This was according to Mark Wilkinson, the general manager of the Cape Winelands Airport.
The Cape Winelands Airport, formerly known as Fisantekraal Airfield is located on Lichtenberg road in Durbanville, which is 23kms outside of Stellenbosch Central. The airport was formerly a South African Air Force airfield. The airfield has been operational since 1943. PHOTO: Maryam Adams
“We want to become the destination of choice for tourists, discerning travellers and the entire general aviation industry by offering world class facilities that enable our operators to provide the most efficient and enjoyable experiences,” said Wilkinson.
Future plans for the airport include lengthening the runway and expanding in a way that does not cut out the opportunity to operate on a larger scale, mentioned Wilkinson.
“We would welcome all operators; scheduled commercial airlines as well as non-scheduled charter and private aircraft operators,” added Wilkinson.
At the moment, all plans are still early in the development stage. However, Wilkinson explained that they will begin engaging with the relevant authorities, such as South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), to obtain the necessary approval and licencing. “This could take between 6 months to 24 months,” said Wilkinson.
Wilkinson further explained that the new airport will open up the industry and assist with job creation and economic growth in the area. “We have the opportunity to leverage off what already exists,” said Wilkinson.
Mark Wilkinson, the general manager of the Cape Winelands Airport. PHOTO: Maryam Adams
Current operations
The airport is currently active and there are multiple flying school operators making use of the facility, as well as an aircraft maintenance organisation, aerial banner towing and hangarage for private plane owners, explained Wilkinson.
The development of the Cape Winelands Airport is a positive for the Cape Town Flight Training Centre (CTFTC), which is currently operational at the airport. Oraya Laemkaew, the manager at CTFTC, feels the new developments will bring more students, new facilities, resources and hangers.
The Cape Town Flight Training Centre is currently operational at the Cape Winelands Airport. PHOTO: Maryam Adams
Airports around the globe have been feeling the strain of Covid-19. However, Wilkinson explained that the airport development team was fortunate to enter the industry at the time that they did.
“It has allowed us to adapt and plan for the new normal. We are also still a while away from breaking ground on any substantial level and so Covid is not really a huge factor for us,” said Wilkinson.
The Cape Winelands Airport aims to be ‘completely green’ through generating their own electricity using solar power, as well as using water that is pumped and treated on site, explained Mark Wilkinson, the general manager at the Cape Winelands Airport. PHOTO: Maryam Adams