The Cape Winelands Airport has reported that development is progressing quickly.
Formerly known as the Fisantekraal Airfield, and owned by the South African Air Force, the property was acquired by Rob Hersov in 2021. The South African billionaire and founder of the private jet service provider, Marquis Jet Europe, stated his plans to establish the airport as a full-service hub that will cater for both scheduled passenger flights as well as general aviation activities, including non-scheduled flights by private aircraft owners, reports billionaires.africa.
Mark Wilkinson, Cape Winelands Airport Director, told IOL that the development plans for the airport were now advancing rapidly under the guidance of a talented team.
Wilkinson said they included an expansion of one of the existing runways and other aeronautical facilities and infrastructure, which would improve the capacity of the aviation facility and make flying more affordable for the public.
“Airports are known to have a large catalytic multiplier effect and act as economic engines by stimulating growth, trade, investment, economic activity and most importantly, job creation,” he said.
Wilkinson told IOL that the developments were extensive but now near an end.
He explained that the airport would, initially, operate as a small general aviation airfield that would offer training and chartered flights. However, according to DA’s Spokesperson for Tourism, Manny de Freitas, at a later stage, the airport would begin to fulfil Hersov’s goals of operating private, scheduled and unscheduled flights.
De Freitas said the Cape Town Winelands Airport’s accessibility in relation to Cape Town and the Winelands, would benefit the airport and act as a growth catalyst for the region. He believes the airport will encourage more tourism opportunities in the northern part of the province.
The airport is situated approximately 13km northeast of Durbanville.
