By Neil Oelofse

The Bitou municipality has taken another step forward in the vital upgrade of Plettenberg Bay‘s airport to accommodate large passenger aircraft.

A resolution calling for private sector proposals to extend the runway to two kilometres and upgrade the airport infrastructure has been passed by the Bitou council.

The runway extension, which will give passenger aircraft as large as Boeing 737s access to the airport, is expected to give a massive boost to the already strong tourism sector in the Plettenberg Bay/Knysna region, particularly with the 2010 World Cup in mind.

Commercial air transport to and from the Southern Cape is limited to George airport. Council called for commercial operators to submit proposals to run flights between Plettenberg Bay and both Cape Town and Gauteng.

Bitou municipality will continue to manage the airport following the upgrade and will retain ownership of the land, facilities and infrastructure. A large unused portion of the airport land will, however, be sold off to finance the upgrade.

Bitou recently completed construction of a security fence around the airport property at a cost of about R1,5-million.

Local estate agent Kevin Engelsman said: “The proposed lengthening of the local airport runway as well as the upgrading of the facilities will allow ... direct flights to the main centres, which will greatly benefit the local industry.”

Plettenberg Bay, with all the amenities for an upmarket coastal lifestyle, is maintaining momentum whereas property markets in other areas seem to be declining.

Asking prices for properties in newer developments such as the Whale Rock Coastal Reserve, and especially those situated in the Whale Rock Ridge estate, are as high as R30-million.

The town is currently undergoing some major structural changes, approved by the local city council to improve daily traffic, as well as to cater for an increased number of road commuters and airline passengers.

Engelsman said: “The upgrading of the main road plus businesses in Main Road is showing a new face to the world. This and the proposed development of two golf estates on the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay will truly bring Plett into the fold of the Garden Route, which is becoming known worldwide as the Golfing Riviera of SA.”

Financial approval from the authorities is being awaited for the extension of the local airstrip by November, where Nationwide Airlines may have to fly smaller commuter aircraft to this destination until final approval is received. Phase two of the road extensions will be completed soon, and the third phase will follow shortly.

Source: The Herald