5 June 2007
Since the launch of the Blue Skyway Aviation Strategy on 2 October 2006 in
an effort to maximise the potential of the Bhisho and Mthatha airports and
bring new life to the rural airstrips within the province, there have been a
lot of developments.
The objectives of this strategy are:
* To ensure adherence to the National Policy (White Paper on Civil Aviation of
March 2005), where it is stated that government should not be involved with
operating airports, but should encourage private sector involvement.
Government, however, remains responsible for ensuring that airports contribute
to the socio-economic development of the area.
* To reduce the financial cost on the Provincial Government.
* To enhance usage of our airports.
* Involve the private sector, particularly the Small Medium Micro Enterprises,
by outsourcing services or airportâs management.
The South African Police Service Air Wing has relocated to Bhisho
Airport.
Port Alfred-based 43 Air School has signed a declaration with the Department
of Roads and Transport for its expansion to the Bhisho Airport and has started
assisting in recommissioning refueling facilities for the airport.
The first 14 students are expected to relocate to the Airport in the next
two months.
The upgrade of the Bhisho airport started in March 2007 and will be
completed within 24 months at a cost of R68 million.
Already, 100 people from villages around the airport are benefiting in this
process and there will be more workers needed as the project progresses.
Air BP has started with the revamping of the fuel depot at their costs.
Aircraft movements have already improved from 13 movements per month before
October 2006 to 67 per month and this will steadily increase as fuel becomes
available.
The control tower has been stripped and new painting and renovations are
taking place.
A terminal building for 43 Air School offices is nearing completion, which
is expected in the next two months.
A new security road is being constructed with a new security fence.
A new fire tender worth R5 million was delivered on 20 May 2007 from
overseas and firemen have completed a course on this new vehicle. The main
intention is to increase the emergency capacity of the airport and improve its
grades from two to four.
Currently we have paid invoices to the value of R23 million.
This airport has been earmarked for international flights during the 2010
FIFA World Cup.
South African Airways has expressed its interest at the Bhisho Airport and
more companies are coming forward with proposals.
The national Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism has appointed
consultants to do a feasibility study on the upgrade of the Mthatha Airport.
That feasibility study has been completed and forwarded to consulting engineers
for final costing. We have purchased two large airport fire tenders for the
Mthatha Airport and we will apply to upgrade our license from four to six with
South African Civil Aviation Authority, which will enable bigger aircraft to
land there.
The security perimeter road is in the process of being upgraded as this is
part of the requirements. This will be completed in the next month.
While the upgrade continues at both Bhisho and Mthatha Airports, the
Department of Roads and Transport will simultaneously embark on a process of
consulting various stakeholders in an effort to rename these airports.
We will work together with the Eastern Cape Geographic Names Committee, the
Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and the Buffalo City and King
Sabata Dalindyebo Municipalities.
The Department of Roads and Transport is committed to use all available
resources to advance public transport solutions in this province, through
involving all relevant stakeholders.
Enquiries:
Ncedo Kumbaca
Cell: 082 442 2388
Issued by: Department of Roads and Transport, Eastern Cape Provincial
Government
5 June 2007
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecpg.gov.za/)
