The company behind the Cape Winelands Airport, rsa.AERO has aspirations to become a network airport operator, securing the lease for Plettenberg Bay Airport, and acquiring an airport at Gariep Dam in the Free State. The company is also putting its hat in the ring to manage the Pilanesberg Airport.
Speaking on a panel at the Meet Stellenbosch conference held last week, Deon Cloete , managingdirector of the Cape Winelands Airport and executive director of rsa.AERO said while the Cape Winelands Airport would be the group's central airport, we actually have aspirations to be a network operator.
The Cape Winelands Airport is currently in planning stages, with phase one operations targeted to begin in 2027. Cloete said Environmental Impact Assesment (EIA) processes were currently underway, with public consultations envisioned for the remainder of the year. The group is targeting approvals by next year, with a two-year building process.
By 2050, the airport is expected to process about 25% of air traffic into Cape Town. It will also support agriculture and industry, with rail links to the Cape Town and Saldanha ports.
Rsa.AERO is comprised of heavy hitters in the property, investment and aviation industries, led by Nick Ferguson . Ferguson was also the developer behind Cape Town's Old Biscuit Mill and the Old Mac Daddy luxury trailer park.
