Exporters Western Cape (EWC) has thrown its support behind the Cape Winelands Airport, a new development north of Cape Town, which promises to invigorate airfreight logistics for the region. The airport, slated to focus initially on cargo rather than passenger traffic, comes at a crucial time as Cape Town International Airport nears full capacity. Terry Gale, chairman of EWC, believes the new facility could significantly expand the province's airfreight capabilities, presenting new opportunities for exporters.

“This airport has the potential to transform Cape Town’s airfreight market and increase its market share. It opens new possibilities for our members, and we are firmly behind it,” said Gale, while noting that the airport’s environmental impact assessment is still ongoing. The airport is expected to become operational by 2027.

At EWC’s annual general meeting, Gale outlined the organisation’s priorities for the year, emphasising ongoing collaboration with the management of the Port of Cape Town. The port, which handles the bulk of the province’s exports by sea, has faced operational challenges, but Gale praised Transnet for its recent efforts to address inefficiencies. “Ensuring the sustainability of the port is essential for exports, and we are working closely with them to resolve the issues,” he added.

EWC, which has operated independently for 45 years, remains entirely funded by its members, a model that Gale described as unique on the global stage. The organisation continues to serve as the non-partisan voice of the export industry in the Western Cape, maintaining strong ties with local and provincial authorities to support the region’s economic growth.

The newly elected committee includes several new members alongside re-elected officials, all volunteers dedicated to advancing the interests of the export community.

The airport is situated between Paarl and Bellville, at the site of an old and neglected South African airforce base. In November 2020, it was purchased by Cape Winelands Aero, supported by a consortium of private investors, including Rob Hersov.

Formerly known as the Fisantekraal Airfield, the airport has an historical legacy dating back to its construction circa 1943 when it served as a base for Lockheed Ventura bombers. Transitioning into private ownership in 1993, the airport has since been used primarily to land small private planes.

The planned enhancements, funded by RSA.Aero, encompass a comprehensive upgrade of essential airport infrastructure. These include the construction of a new passenger terminal, the extension of the runway, and the expansion of the apron. The airport will also see improvements in fire, rescue, and emergency services, ensuring compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Category 6 standards, a classification that mandates airports to be equipped to handle aircraft such as the Airbus A318, A319, and Boeing 737-300.

In addition to these structural upgrades, the airport will benefit from new facilities, including a car park, service station, and additional aircraft hangars. RSA.Aero has adopted a zone-based development strategy, with the master plan dividing the airport into seven distinct zones. These include a new terminal precinct, a corporate aviation and logistics precinct, a solar farm, and a wastewater treatment facility, among others.

Integral to the redevelopment are additional on-site developments, including cargo terminals, aircraft hangars, a hotel, heliport, and warehousing and logistics facilities. The comprehensive Master Plan and various specialized aviation studies were meticulously conducted by the local office of NACO, Netherlands Airport Consultants.

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