One of South Africa’s leading integrated aviation solutions companies, CFS Aero, has announced the relocation of its primary base of operations from Lanseria International Airport to OR Tambo International Airport.
The company noted that the move includes transferring its corporate offices and managed aircraft fleet to Fireblade Aviation’s facilities, while maintaining its presence at Lanseria.
“As part of this transition, OR Tambo International Airport will serve as CFS Aero’s new headquarters and principal operational hub, providing enhanced infrastructure, greater connectivity, and improved access to aviation support services,” it said.
“The company will, however, continue to operate from Lanseria International Airport, ensuring ongoing flexibility and convenience for customers who utilise the airport as part of their travel requirements.”
CFS Aero’s decision reflects its long-term commitment to supporting the growing demand for premium aviation services in South Africa and the broader continental region.
The company’s Managing Director, Kerry Searle, explained that establishing OR Tambo as its primary base of operation represents an important milestone in the evolution of CFS Aero.
She added that the move provides access to world-class aviation infrastructure and the premium facilities of Fireblade Aviation.
This includes on-site customs and immigration services, private passenger lounges, executive meeting rooms, and extensive hangar capacity to support the growth of its managed aircraft fleet.
“These enhanced capabilities allow us to deliver an even more seamless and integrated experience for both our clients and flight operations,” said Searle.
“We will continue to operate from Lanseria International Airport, giving our clients the flexibility of accessing our services from both airports while benefitting from the enhanced capabilities that OR Tambo offers.”
Retaining its operations at Lanseria International Airport alongside its new headquarters gives CFS Aero greater operational flexibility and will allow its clients to choose the airport that best suits their travel requirements.
Lanseria hoping to rival OR Tambo
Last year, South Africa’s only privately owned and operated airport launched a range of infrastructure upgrades that will see it accommodate over 18 million passengers by 2050.
Currently, Lanseria International Airport accommodates around 1.9 million passengers annually, with this figure expected to grow to over four million by 2032 and six million by 2037.
To accommodate the expansion, the airport has started with massive infrastructure upgrades to better position it for the future.
“Our vision is to be a regional airport catering mainly to the SA Development Community and the sub-Saharan region,” Lanseria International Airport CEO Rampa Rammopo said at the time.
Further upgrades include expanding available parking by building another R250 million three-story parkade opposite the main airport building, adding an extra 1,000 parking spaces to its existing parkade.
Upgrades that will see its operations improve include expanding its current single runway by adding an additional strip.
However, this is still under consideration, as it is expected to cost anywhere from R1 billion to R2 billion to complete.
In the meantime, the airport is expanding its cargo capabilities with a modern cargo precinct aimed at positioning it as a regional logistics hub.
Shortly before the groundbreaking commenced in the third quarter of last year, Rammopo explained that the project will take a ten-year phased approach.
“We hope this project will stimulate business activity, improve logistics and market access, and ultimately drive regional economic growth,” he said.
The CEO also noted that all the upgrades and refurbishments aren’t meant to merely make Lanseria an alternative to OR Tambo but instead a direct competitor.
CFS Aero’s new office at OR Tambo
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