With a new name waiting in the wings, things appear to be steadily turning around for Port Elizabeth International Airport.
This follows a memorandum of understanding signed by Airports Company South Africa (Acsa), the municipality and Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism – who are mulling a new so-called “airlift strategy” for the airport.
Acsa earlier this year announced that PE International would be one of four airports around the country to get a new name following a public consultation phase which ended in June.
Acsa chief executive officer Bongani Maskeo said PE International Airport was optimally positioned as a city airport which is an important gateway to the tourism market, easily accessed by local business and residents.
Maseko said the memorandum of understanding, which was signed in June, was to enhance air service delivery connectivity between national gateways and the city.
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism reported that the response from airlines had been overwhelmingly positive.
Nelson Mandela Bay municipality economic development, tourism and agriculture executive director Anele Qaba said various plans had been put in motion to increase flights to and from PE International Airport.
“The increase in airlines will, however, also be based on supply and demand issues that the steering committee is currently addressing,” Qaba said.
He said monthly meetings were held between all role players. There were also proactive engagements with airlines on key destinations in trade and tourism as well relevant pipeline projects.
He said the “airlift strategy” entailed:
● Attracting new and enhancing existing airlines;
● Maintaining existing routes and airlines, monitoring performance and regular contact with airlines; and
● Promoting tourism growth through increased flights and improved schedules and deployment of larger aircraft.
The municipality expressed its optimism, saying the Bay was situated favourably, only 25km from the Coega Industrial Development Zone, one of the country’s largest special economic zones.
Municipal spokesperson Mthubanzi Mniki said: “An airport is one of the key facilities in relation to tourism. Strengthening relations with Acsa can only translate into positive spin-offs for the city in relation to tourism.
“The city is working towards being one of the leading tourism destinations and partnerships of this nature are bringing us closer to the realisation of that dream.”