Cape Winelands Airport announces appointment of contract partner for major expansion program
Cape Winelands Airport achieves another significant milestone as it announces prime contractor for South Africa’s next-generation aviation hub
Cape Winelands Airport is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement with Cape Winelands Airport. WBHO As a contract partner for the airport’s technical development and construction as part of the airport’s multi-billion rand expansion programme.
“With the contractor officially on board, the project moves to an important new stage of detailed technical development and planning. These appointments will enable the team to begin developing the specific design and engineering framework required to move the project towards construction readiness. This process will also provide clearer insight into the overall schedule and costs,” explains Cape Winelands Airport Managing Director Deon Cloete.
WBHO, Cape Winelands Airport’s technology development partner, is a leading player in South Africa’s construction industry and one of the country’s largest publicly listed companies with deep expertise in infrastructure, civil engineering, roads and earthworks. WBHO is best known for delivering large-scale and technically demanding infrastructure projects, having built everything from stadiums and dams to airports and highways.
The Cape Winelands Airport expansion is estimated to cost approximately R8 billion and is one of South Africa’s most significant aviation infrastructure investments. This includes the construction of a new boutique terminal, expanded and realigned runway infrastructure, upgraded airside systems, enhanced cargo and logistics operations, and a modernized general aviation district. The airport is expected to sustain approximately 35,000 direct and indirect jobs and has the potential to sustain just over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs during its first 20 years of operation.
“WBHO is proud to have achieved this important milestone with the Cape Winelands team. This partnership will enable the acceleration of the technical design process and subsequent construction completion of the airport project. The project is one that WBHO is excited to be a part of because, if successfully completed, it will demonstrate the talent and ability of South Africa’s local development, investment, design and construction capabilities to deliver critical economic infrastructure,” explains WBHO Director Russell Adams.
The enhanced connectivity provided by the addition of the airport will further strengthen the region’s competitiveness and expand tourism opportunities across the Western Cape and beyond. The airport is located in the Cape Winelands, providing a unique opportunity to design an airport experience that reflects the character and beauty of the Winelands. Cape Winelands Airport aims to establish a world-class aviation and logistics hub that will support economic growth, attract new investment and strengthen regional connectivity. “WBHO’s proven track record in delivering complex infrastructure projects positions this project to achieve outstanding results in execution. The team’s combined expertise will strengthen the airport’s commitment to building efficient, future-proof and environmentally responsible aviation facilities,” Cloete added.
The announcement follows the recent confirmation of Growthpoint Properties as a strategic development partner for Cape Winelands Airport, with a focus on long-term asset management responsibility across the logistics, commercial and hospitality components of the 450-hectare air precinct.
The newly appointed contract partner will work closely with the Cape Winelands Airport team as the project enters the detailed technical development stage. This next phase will provide greater clarity on what must be done to achieve the readiness and realization of a future-proof air precinct in the Western Cape. Further announcements, including key program milestones, are expected in the coming weeks.
