Eastern Cape
South Africa
Sector
Aerospace & defence
The Blue Crane Development Agency (BCDA) has embarked on a venture to establish an aviation industry in Somerset East. The project incorporates a number of aviation developments including an airport, flying school and a light industrial park, all aimed at improving infrastructure and job creation in Somerset East. It is hoped that this project is poised to become South Africa’s central manufacturing hub for light-aerospace products. BCDA has a number of upcoming developments, which collectively will have a major economic impact on the area. All BCDA’s projects are in line with the National Government’s Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP).
Airport
The establishment of a regional commercial airport was identified by the BCDA as a strategic infrastructure project. This airport is being constructed on the under-utilised Somerset East Airfield and is the largest component of the project. It has already created over 66 temporary jobs since 2006. The airport has also been designed as an entry and exit point to the Northern gate of the Addo Elephant National Park. The airport is currently operational but funding is needed in order to complete the new primary tarred runway.
The following sections of the airport are already completed:
- Terminal building
- Two hangers
- Two grass runways
- Electrified perimeter fence
- New primary runway (65% complete)
The aviation project has been strategically designed to incorporate a number of different developments. These include:
Light Industrial Park
This development will allow for the housing of a light, environmentally-friendly industrial park in the airport precinct. Although the park is situated within the aviation development, it is not restricted to the aviation industry. There are 50 large plots available that will be serviced and investment incentives are on offer for the relocation of businesses and factories. The development is aimed at being ‘clean’, with the focus on light industry, thus minimising the level of pollution and ensuring that the natural surroundings are conserved. The architecture has also been specifically designed to maintain this aesthetic. Both the airport and industrial park are estimated to cost R30-million, while it is set to create 150 temporary and 85 permanent jobs.
Aircraft construction
The BCDA has enlisted the assistance of the aeronautical department of Wits University to design South Africa’s first production Light Sports Aircraft. The new aircraft has been named ‘SkyWake’ and will create a platform for the establishment of aircraft and aerospace manufacturing businesses in South Africa. The design phase of this project has been completed, while the next phase involves the development of the mock-up. The aim is to have it showcased at the International Aerospace Air Show at Ysterplaat in Cape Town in September this year. Wits have teamed up with the National Aerospace Centre of Excellence to establish a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approved design organisation, which will serve as a skills development program for the light-aerospace industry. The aim of this project will be to develop the necessary skills to launch a light-aerospace industry.
Aircraft Assembly
AlbaSera Aircrafts, a small aircraft manufacturer from Johannesburg is due to establish their light sport aircraft business at the new airport development. The Italian parent company Fly-Synthesis is to provide technology for assembly and manufacturing projects.
Flying School
There are plans in the works for the establishment of a flying school, specialising in training for previously disadvantaged individuals. Negotiations are currently underway in order for this project to be established. The school will need to provide fixed-wing as well as helicopter training.
Contacts:
For more information about these projects, contact Rob Beach on:
Tel: 042-2430095
Mobile: 082 329 4547
Email: infosa@gan.co.za
