Operational phase of the successful launch of the Intra-Provincial Flight Service well on track
Members of the press, we welcome you all.
The Intra-Provincial Air Service was successfully launched on Wednesday, 22 January 2014; and we are now in the operational phase. We have been inundated with calls and received positive response over this much anticipated service. The response has been overwhelming.
Not only with this service curb travelling time but it will also assist specialists in the Medical Profession to reach various destinations in our vast Province to provide their much needed services. We have interest from people who want to know on how this service came about and whether it will operate successfully.
The Northern Cape Provincial Government through the operational Department of Transport, Safety & Liaison is putting the service on a pilot project for twelve (12) months. The rationale is to solicit viable and safe transport services and to broaden the transport network within the province.
The purpose of the Intra-Provincial Air Service is to develop an economically feasible service to address the long distance travel requirements in the province in order to enhance service delivery, efficiently, effectively and economically. This is goes also for the needs of the private sector and society at large commuting between towns, promoting business prospects, operations and individual needs.
The Intra-Provincial Air Service is an initiative that has been coming a long time; engagements were already in place even during the era of the previous administration but it never came to the stage where it is today. The current administration saw the need to pursue the Intra-Provincial Air Service due to the ever increasing demand of the contemporary challenges such as effective service delivery, the efficient and economic growth of the province.
The Department for Transport, Safety & Liaison commissioned a feasibility study in 2010 to look into the viability of such an initiative. The outcome of the study indicated that it is possible to introduce an economically viable and safe air transport service linking major towns within the province. The aspects that were considered were:
- Destinations, duration and frequency of visits to particular destination
- Travel times and costs (direct and indirect cost)
- Travel for business sectors
- The needs of tourist etc.
The airport infrastructure was also assessed in terms of runaway length, surface and lighting. Five potential areas with viable infrastructural support base have been identified in the northbound loop which includes Kuruman, Kimberley, Upington, Alexander Bay and Springbok.
The southbound loop is not supported by good infrastructure which includes the areas of Calvinia, De Aar, Williston etc. Further studies were conducted to look at costing models and further engagements on expansion of other aerodromes.
When the need for the service was identified for an Intra-Provincial Air Service, the services were put out on tender; the successful bidder was appointed which is Phakalane Airways.
The introduction of the Intra-Provincial Air Service was successfully launched on Wednesday, 22 January 2014 and the inaugural flights were undertaken to Upington by members of the Executive Council, National and Provincial Departments, Business Sectors etc.
The IPF Service will be operational from Monday, 3 February 2014. In order to give an indication of the routes and services, the following breakdown is presented.
There will be morning and afternoon flights as follows:
- Kimberley to Upington: Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
- Kimberley to Springbok: Tuesday, Friday & Sunday
There will also be non-scheduled flights as and when the need arises. The normal flight rules will apply such as the need to produce an identity document or drivers licence, no dangerous material on board etc.
The costs for a roundtrip is also attached and is based on a special opening price; as time goes and depending on the need, the price may fluctuate. Two (2) nine seater aeroplanes will be used of which one will serve as a backup and they will be captained by qualified pilots.
The introduction of the IPF service within the Northern Cape Province will take us to new heights beneficial to the inhabitants of the province, country and global village; which includes the public sector, private sector, business, private individual people from other provinces, tourist etc.
The service will assist to enhance and promote economic growth, effective, efficient service delivery.
There are also direct and indirect benefits to the service of ±50% - 70%, promotion of safety, elimination of road congestion, improvement on service delivery and its turnaround time. Business engagements will be fast-tracked and valuable time will be saved. People will be able to have time for their household commitments and jobs will be created with a spin-off of aspiring youth being developed in such as scares skill.
As a city and province of “FIRSTS”, we would like to request all of you to support the initiative in order to provide and create better service delivery in a growing economic environment and leave a legacy that we and our children can be proud of.
Thank you!
Dankie
Please note the press briefing was led by the Head of Department, Mr Stephen Jonkers whom you can quote.
For any media clarity please contact:
Keitumetse Moticoe
Communication Officer
Cell: 074 251 6567
Email: kgmoticoe@gmail.com
Twitter: @NCape_dtsl
