Bold plans taking shape for Western Cape airports (including Plettenberg Bay)
Cape Town International Airport and the one in Plettenberg Bay are undergoing runway and other upgrades to prepare for future international traffic into the Western Cape.
Lester Kiewit speaks to Nick Ferguson, CEO of RSA Aero, about their plans to upgrade Plettenberg Bay Airport.
Plettenberg Bay Airport is set for an upgrade, including plans to add a new terminal building and a runway to cater for the local community and surrounding areas.
There are also plans for the Cape Winelands Airport to extend runways to accommodate Airbus A380s and capitalise on Cape Town International Airport's lack of capacity.
Ferguson notes that Plettenberg Bay Airport is not meant to compete with George Airport.
"Plettenberg Bay Airport is not intended to compete directly with George Airport and serve the local community and visitors to the area... Plett Airport is focused on tourism and is more niche according to its offerings."
- Nick Ferguson, CEO - RSA Aero
Ferguson notes that Cape Winelands' runway extension plans are 'progressing steadily'.
The focus is on laying the groundwork for sustainable and future-proof aviation structures.
Major cities in the world have more than one airport so another big one in Cape Town will future-proof international traffic into the City, a premium tourist destination, adds Ferguson.
"People often ask if Cape Town needs another airport. The answer is a resounding, 'Yes!'. As Cape Town continues to grow rapidly, it's crucial to prepare for future demand proactively... we're looking at the future."
- Nick Ferguson, CEO - RSA Aero
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.