The Cape Winelands region is set for a monumental transformation with the commencement of a groundbreaking R7 billion airport expansion initiative.
This ambitious project marks a pivotal milestone in the area's development trajectory, aiming to significantly enhance accessibility and bolster economic growth.
Over the next three years Cape Winelands Aero (CWA) is set to complete a R7 billion upgrade and expansion that will create a second commercial airport serving Cape Town and the Western Cape.
By 2027, the Northern District will have its own domestic and international travel airspace, serving 2 million international tourists and 3 million domestic travellers annually by 2050, effectively doubling the region's annual passenger traffic.
This influx of visitors is expected to stimulate job creation and foster growth across various sectors, particularly within the local business and logistics clusters
The Economic Impact Construction is expected to reach R24.1 billion, while the economic impact of operational spending is set to reach R43.4 billion with 58,561 job opportunities between 2027 and 2050.
Established in 1943, Cape Winelands Airport has long been a cornerstone of the Northern District of Durbanville, primarily catering to the General Aviation community. However, the expansive development blueprint envisions the integration of vineyards into the airport's landscape, celebrating the region's renowned wine culture.
Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted by picturesque vistas, featuring open spaces adorned with vineyards, alongside amenities such as a plaza, a hotel, conference facilities, and a captivating wine tasting experience.
The terminal precinct will also host an outdoor amphitheatre accommodating up to 5000 attendees, adding a dynamic dimension to cultural events.
And upon completion, the Cape Winelands Airport will boast state-of-the-art amenities including streamlined check-in counters equipped with cutting-edge technology for swift processing.
The project's developers aim to achieve self-sufficiency through renewable energy sources such as solar and chicken manure biogas power.
Advanced water recycling systems will ensure efficient utilisation of resources, while waste management initiatives will prioritise recycling and composting.
Meet Nick Ferguson, the Managing Director of rsa.AERO, the company that owns Cape Winelands Airport. He notes that when he came across the airport and immediately saw value in it, adding that upon purchase of the airport, he saw opportunities unravel, from a second airport into "probably the biggest infrastructural project that Cape Town will see for a long time".
Ferguson said that the airport will be the greenest in the world, boasting self-sufficiency in water, electricity, sewage, and stormwater management. He also pointed to the substantial fuel savings for aircraft and reduced travel times to and from Johannesburg, leading to a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
"We want an airport that is not intimidating. We want to showcase Cape Town as a tourist destination."
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