By Nangamso Mabindla
1 August 2007

WORK to refurbish Bhisho Airport in Buffalo City is taking shape with the provincial department of roads and transport starting the upgrade of the runway on Wednesday, 1 August.

While the work is carried out the runway will be closed for six weeks, during which time no flights will land at the facility. It is part of the R100-million upgrade of the airport, itself part of the Blue Skyway Aviation Strategy that aims to maximise the potential of the Bhisho and Mthatha airports and bring new life to the rural airstrips.

Speaking about the upgrading of the runway, the department's spokesperson, Ncedo Kumbaca, said that it would also benefit the communities around Bhisho Airport.

"This upgrade is expected to be completed by March 2008 and more than a 100 people from the surrounding rural villages have been employed. There will be more workers needed as the project progresses."

Employing local people is in line with the objectives of the Blue Skyway Aviation Strategy.

"National policy states that the government should not be involved in operating airports, but should encourage private sector involvement. However, the government remains responsible for ensuring that airports contribute to the socio-economic development of the area," Kumbaca added.

The strategy also aims to involve the private sector, especially small, medium and micro enterprises by outsourcing services.

Kumbaca said that the public-private partnership with Air BP was already bearing fruit, and the company was busy revamping the fuel depot at its own cost.

"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."

In addition, the South African Police Services Air Wing is relocating to Bhisho Airport. Based in Port Alfred, 43 Air School has signed an agreement with the department of roads and transport to expand to Bhisho Airport.

Kumbaca said that upgrading the airport's runway would also be vital for the Fifa football World Cup, to be played in South Africa in 2010.

"This airport has been earmarked for international flights during the World Cup. South African Airways has expressed its interest in Bhisho Airport and more companies are coming forward with proposals."