South African billionaire Rob Hersov is making progress with the planning for the Cape Winelands Airport‘s construction.
According to a report from IOL, which cites Mark Wilkinson, director of Cape Winelands Airport, planning for the airport’s development is advancing rapidly under the guidance of a professional team.
Ongoing efforts encompass expanding an existing runway, enhancing aeronautical facilities, and bolstering infrastructure.
The initiatives are set to augment aviation capacity, introduce redundancy to the region, and curtail overall flying expenses for the public.
Wilkinson told IOL that the plans are extensive and very near conclusion, but was tight lipped about the finer details of the airport.
“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 said.
In 2021, Hersov acquired the former Fisantekraal airstrip and unveiled his vision to transform it into a vibrant airport and secondary hub for Cape Town. Consequently, the airstrip was rebranded as Cape Winelands Airport.
Cape Winelands Airport is an ex-South African Air Force airfield built circa 1943, and used to operate Lockheed Ventura bombers. It is located approximately 13 kilometers (8.1 miles) northeast of Durbanville and sits on 150 hectares.
The airfield was transferred to the local municipality sometime in the 1960s, and it was sold to a private owner in 1993.
In 2021, Hersov acquired the airport.
In various interviews, the South African billionaire has stated his plans to establish the Cape Winelands 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 plane owners. The airport’s distinct allure stems from its proximity to Cape Winelands and Franschhoek.
Hersov is one of the South Africa’s wealthiest men. He was the founder of private jet service provider Marquis Jet Europe which was eventually sold to Netjets, and he has gone on to establish various businesses in the media, mining and consulting sectors.
