Director says airport dream is not a joke

With the terminal building deemed structurally complete, a tender was put out for a service provider, to undertake commercial charter flights to and from Newcastle Airport.

June 6, 2019

Bruce Douglas 1 minute read

Scheduled flights could take off by September or October of this year.

With Airlink ready to board and final processes expected to wrap up by the end of July, Strategic Executive Director for Development Planning (DP), Vish Govender believes linking Newcastle Airport with the rest of the world is no myth.

“The airport project was at a standstill for two years. Someone even called it an April Fools’ joke on social media.”

Govender was appointed as the head of DP around three months ago, and said his first major task was ensuring the R31-million project was a success.

This included resolving payment disputes and ‘snags’.

With the terminal building deemed structurally complete, a tender was put out for a service provider, to undertake commercial charter flights to and from Newcastle Airport.

“Seven companies across the country tendered, and we needed someone who could take Newcastle to O.R. Tambo [International Airport] and link us to any city in the world,” states Govender.

Thereafter, Airlink was appointed on May 2 on a year’s contract.

Service providers were also selected for a vehicle hire service, the on-site restaurant and the installation of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).

“The GNSS can direct planes based on topography such as high-rise buildings, mountains and power lines, even if there is limited visibility from smoke or mist.”

Govender says GNSS was the only thing holding back scheduled flights, but said by the beginning of August at the latest, Airlink could begin its operations.

He hopes this will put the community’s fears to rest.

Looking to future work at Newcastle Airport, Govender says the runway will be resealed to allow for larger planes to land, but said for now 30-seaters were permitted.