Aviation school
to move to Bhisho Airport
By Nangamso Mabindla
06 June 2007
THE Blue Skyway Aviation Strategy, aimed at maximising the potential of the Bhisho and Mthatha airports, was taking shape, said the Eastern Cape MEC for roads and transport, Thobile Mhlahlo.
He was giving an update on the strategy to the media and other delegates at the airport on Tuesday, 5 June.
Launched in October 2006, the strategy should bring new life to the two rural airstrips. Its objectives were to enhance the use of the two government-owned airstrips and to contribute to the socio-economic development of the areas, he said.
"With the strategy we also want to bring about the turnaround of aviation standards in the province and improve the assets we have here in Bhisho and Mthatha."
He said that the provincial government would encourage the private sector to get involved in improving the airports.
"For instance, we have a partnership with Air BP; it has shown an interest in making sure that our assets are improved for the benefit of the province and locals. Air BP has started with the revamping of the fuel depot at its cost."
There had been a number of developments, especially at the Bhisho Airport, since the strategy was launched, Mhlahlo said, adding that the South African Police Service's Air Wing had already relocated to the facility.
"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 Bhisho Airport in the next two months, so you can see that we are working hard to meeting our targets," he said.
The target was to complete the R68-million upgrade of the airport, which started in March 2007, within 24 months. "Already, 100 people from villages around the airport are benefiting in this process and there will be more workers needed as [it] progresses."
And the number of aircraft movements had risen from 13 a month before October to 67 a month. Mhlahlo said that this would increase further as fuel became available from Air BP.
"The control tower has been stripped and new painting and renovations are taking place. The terminal building for the 43 Air School office is nearing completion."
To ensure safety at the airport, the department of roads and transport had bought a fire tender for R5-million. The vehicle carried about 11 000 litres of water and 1 500 litres of foam.
"The main intention is to increase the emergency capacity of the airport and improve its grade from two to four," Mhlahlo explained.
After the presentation, he led delegates and the media on a walkabout around the airport to inspect the improvements already undertaken.
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