POLOKWANE – The Polokwane Airshow that was hosted at the Polokwane International Airport over the weekend was well attended and visitors were not disappointed with the variety of fly-passes, stationary exhibits, helicopter flips and enough to eat and drink.

The programme included performances by the SAPS Air Wing, the South African Air Force’s Grippen and BK SAAF, BK Gazelle, Master Power, Magni Gyrocopter, Raptors, On the move Extra 300, Goodyear Eagles, Navion Team, Delfin L29 and Nashua Extra 300.

The province’s new Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba also took time to visit the event and delivered a short message of support.

“As Provincial Government, we remain committed to ensuring that aviation as a sector, becomes a great part of our people’s everyday reality. The main reason that government backs this airport and its activities, is to ensure that we remain inter-connected with the rest of the global community. For a province as strategic as ours, aviation as a sector, should be an economic propeller, facilitating efficient movement of people and goods, such as our vast agricultural produce to their destined markets,” Ramathuba said.

She added that with its international licence, the airport has got great potential to become the gateway to the SADeC Region, and expand to the global airspace.

The premier also expressed her desire to establish an aviation school in the province.

“The aviation academy will amplify enthusiasm among the youth and heighten their interest in the various fields within the aviation sector,” Ramathuba said.

According to show organiser Robin Tapinos, more than 10 000 people attended the event and the outcome exceeded their expectations.

He thanked his team and the members of Botha Shellhole of the Moths for their hard work and Polokwane International Airport for its support.

“The event would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors Vodacom, Talisman Hire, Meropa Sun, GLG Construction, Protea Landmark, NJW Mechanical, Catnis Construction, Dalmada Water Koöperasie, Peri Scaffolding and the hard workers of the Rotary Club of Pietersburg 100 and a number of other supporters,” Tapinos said.

He also thanked Northern Media Group for the excellent coverage in Polokwane Observer and Polokwane Review ahead of the event.