Latest news with #LanseriaInternationalAirport
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Reviving air travel: Tshwane's plans for Pretoria-Cape Town flights
Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise has announced City of Tshwane's plans to resume flights between Pretoria's Wonderboom National Airport and Cape Town. Image: File The City of Tshwane is working to resume flights between Pretoria and Cape Town, which were halted in 2018 due to profitability concerns. Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise disclosed the city's plans on Friday at Wonderboom National Airport, which hosted The Children's Flight 2025 programme. He said the airport is among the municipal strategic assets for revitalising the local economy, with plans to put it on the market in September. 'Our primary objective is to ensure that it is fully functional,' he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading He said the city will revive talks on resuming flights, aiming to get the South African Civil Aviation Authority to reactivate and renew the license for Pretoria-Cape Town flights, and also introduce a new route to Durban. The announcement follows the news in April that Messe Frankfurt South Africa would not renew its agreement with Tshwane to host AERO South Africa at Wonderboom National Airport after the 2024 edition. The three-day event was relocated to Lanseria International Airport, where it took place last month. Although the city acknowledged the economic benefits of AERO South Africa, it has since signed other initiatives with partners to utilise the airport. The 10th edition of The Children's Flight 2025 programme, which saw over 1,000 underprivileged children taking to the skies, aims to introduce young children to the aviation industry. The programme, supported by 150 pilots and over 100 nationwide sponsors, gave many children their first-ever helicopter experience. Modise said the initiative aims to expose children to various career paths in the industry, including pilots, technicians, engineers, and air controllers. He emphasised that shaping young minds begins with exposure, allowing children to envision greater possibilities, dream bigger, think smarter, and strive for excellence. 'Every opportunity provided to them today lays the foundation for the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow,' he said. He highlighted the importance of the airport as a strategic economic engine for the city, driving tourism, trade, investment, and job creation. 'Its growth fuels local development and positions the capital as a key player in regional and international connectivity,' he said. Event organiser Felix Gosher said the event specifically targets underprivileged children from registered care facilities who would unlikely have the chance to fly otherwise. Tshwane's Member of the Mayoral Committee for Roads and Transport, Tlangi Mogale, said the initiative provides a great opportunity for children who might otherwise never experience flying, attracting local business support and bringing joy to children's faces.
Eyewitness News
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Repatriation of former Zambian statesman Lungu's remains from SA halted
JOHANNESBURG - Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu's family has accused the country's current government of undermining the agreements reached surrounding his death. The former stateman's repatriation was halted on Wednesday due to the ongoing disputes between the Lungu family and the government of his political rival Hakainde Hichilema. Lungu died at a Pretoria hospital earlier this month at 68 after a long illness. Lungu's remains were set to be repatriated from the Lanseria International Airport to Lusaka, but that has since stalled due to a public spat playing out between the Zambian government and the Lungu family. The family believes it would be a dishonour if it followed government's lead, accusing Hakainde Hichilema's administration of mistreating Lungu by withdrawing his retirement benefits, including his security detail, a diplomatic passport, a furnished house and medical insurance. The family's spokesperson, Makebu Zulu, says the government had intended to roll out a programme that was not agreed upon. 'For this reason and many more, the family finds it very difficult to believe that the government will stick to their end of the agreement and have resolved, sadly so, that the mortal remains of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu will not return home today [Wednesday].' Zulu says while they hope to be able to repatriate Lungu's remains soon, they remain at loggerheads with the Zambian government.
Eyewitness News
05-06-2025
- General
- Eyewitness News
Pilot killed after an aircraft crashed at Lanseria International Airport shortly after takeoff
JOHANNESBURG - A pilot has been killed after an aircraft crashed on Thursday, shortly after takeoff at the Lanseria International Airport north-west of Johannesburg. The South African Civil Aviation Authority's (SACCA) accident and incident division confirmed the crash involving a Cessna 210 aircraft. The aircraft went down within the perimeter of the rhino and lion nature reserve. It's unclear at this stage where it was headed. SACCA spokesperson Sisa Majola says one other person was on board. 'The passenger was seriously injured and airlifted to a hospital. AID has dispatched investigators to the site. A preliminary report will be published on the SACAA website in 30 days from the date of this accident. The aid extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased and injured.'
The Citizen
05-06-2025
- The Citizen
Pilot killed, passenger injured in aircraft crash in Lanseria
The aircraft crashed within the perimeter of the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve. A pilot has been killed and a passenger injured in a light aircraft crash in Johannesburg. The accident occurred in Lanseria at about 10 am on Thursday. The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) is investigating the cause of the Cessna 210 crash. AIID spokesperson Sisa Majola said the aircraft departed from Lanseria International Airport (FALA) and crashed moments after takeoff. Crash Majola said the aircraft crashed within the perimeter of the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve. 'There were two on board the aircraft (pilot and passenger), with the pilot fatally injured. The passenger was seriously injured and airlifted to a hospital. 'AIID has dispatched investigators to the site. A preliminary report will be published on the SACAA website in 30 days from the date of this accident,' Majola said. The AIID has extended its condolences to the family and loved ones of the pilot and the injured passenger. ALSO READ: Creecy steps in to resolve dispute over Acsa baggage screening services Husband and wife killed Last month, the AIID launched an investigation into the cause of a light aircraft crash that claimed the lives of a husband and wife. According to police, 39-year-old Quinton Steyn and his wife, 38-year-old Lizette Steyn, tragically lost their lives in a light aircraft crash near Botshabelo Airfield in Middelburg. The couple was reportedly travelling from Nelspruit to Middelburg, where they resided at the time of the crash. Light aircraft Majola confirmed the accident that involved a Rans Aircraft S10 Sakota (Registration ZS-WXE). 'The aircraft departed from Middleburg Airfield before crashing shortly after take-off within the boundary of the airfield. 'The pilot and passenger on board were declared dead by Emergency Services on arrival. The aircraft was destroyed by the post-impact fire,' said Majola. Majola said the site was secured on Sunday evening and guarded by the South African Police Service (Saps). The AIID extended its condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. ALSO READ: Pilot tragically killed in crash at West Coast Airshow in Western Cape [VIDEO]
The South African
14-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
Name change on the cards for major South African airport?
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has revealed that Lanseria International Airport may soon undergo a name change – part of a broader effort to align the airport more closely with the identity and growth of South Africa's commercial capital. Speaking during his 2025 State of the City Address this month, Morero informed the Johannesburg City Council that the airport's management is 'contemplating renaming the facility to more closely reflect and celebrate its connection to our city.' 'The city will support this initiative, which will strengthen the airport brand and foster a stronger sense of belonging,' Morero said. The potential name change comes as Lanseria continues its transformation into a major regional transport hub, supported by significant private and public investment. While no official new name has been announced yet, speculation is already mounting about potential names that could reflect Lanseria's importance to Johannesburg and the region. City officials say that renaming the airport will help it better compete on the global stage and enhance its identity as a key gateway to Gauteng and Southern Africa. 'We are growing, and our airport must grow with us – in infrastructure, in capacity, and in identity,' Mayor Morero said. Lanseria's latest phase of development was announced in July 2024, with investors pledging to expand capacity and improve infrastructure in order to attract more regional flights and reduce pressure on OR Tambo. The planned upgrades include: A new fuel depot, to safeguard operations from fuel shortages Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities Fixed-base operator (FBO) services Taxiway and infrastructure enhancements The fuel depot is particularly significant following recent disruptions at other major airports, including a damaged fuel line at Cape Town International and a jet-fuel shortage at OR Tambo due to a refinery fire. Lanseria CEO Rampa Rammopo said these developments are essential to 'address current limitations' and ensure the airport remains attractive to international carriers. Lanseria's transformation signals a new chapter not just for the airport, but for Johannesburg's position as a thriving aviation and business hub. With a name change and new facilities on the horizon, the future of South Africa's only private international airport is poised for takeoff. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
