The loss-making Wonderboom National Airport (WNA) on the outskirts of Pretoria is set for a big upgrade over the coming years.
While popular among small aircraft owners and flight schools, WNA has been running at a loss for years and the City of Tshwane now intends to change that.
Instead of selling the “white elephant” to the highest bidder, Tshwane vowed to turn WNA’s fortunes around and once again make it a revenue-generating asset for the municipality.
Tshwane MMC for Finance, Eugene Modise, hinted that the future of the aviation hub could be centred around cargo rather than passengers.
“The airport, in terms of the assessment made, is very ideal for cargo,” said Modise, as quoted by 702.
“If you look at the Polokwane airport, it doesn’t have the capacity and the connectivity of this airport, so all the merchandise that should be going to and from Rustenburg – platinum leaving the country, and manganese from Limpopo – this will be their ideal place.”
Travellers won’t be forgotten, though, as the revised WNA will also be set up as an alternative to the ever-busy OR Tambo International.
The City of Tshwane emphasised that Wonderboom has the potential to usurp 12% of OR Tambo’s foot traffic, the latter of which currently handles over 26 million passengers annually.
In addition, it will create hundreds of employment opportunities for local residents once the upgraded airport is fully up and running.
Financial struggles remain
Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo told Pretoria Rekord that the revival of WNA is facing persistent financial struggles.
The metro is in the midst of a financial crisis which limits the availability of resources it can allocate to the small airport.
Furthermore, Mashigo said resistance from current airport patrons remains an obstacle to the implementation of necessary changes.
“The metro envisions Wonderboom Airport as a driver of local economic growth,” said Mashigo.
“By improving the airport’s operations and expanding its services, the metro hopes to attract more air commerce, which will create a ripple effect that will benefit industries such as hospitality and logistics.”
Mashigo said the future of Wonderboom Airport revolves around three strategic pillars: arrest, stabilise, and grow.
The first two are focused on stopping the decline of the airport and stabilising its revenue.
The latter comprises the finalisation of the airport’s master plan, development plan, and precinct layout, which will guide its long-term growth and establish its role within the local and national air travel network.
Mashigo said these plans are expected to be concluded by December.
“The airport’s development will comply with international aviation standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ensuring that environmental sustainability is a priority,” he said.
“While the operational aspects of the strategy are set to be completed by the 2025/26 financial year, the full realisation of the airport’s potential will be a long-term commitment.”
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