Speaking on Tuesday at Wonderboom Airport, Tshwane Mayor Solly Msimanga said reclaiming the international status of the airport is high on the city’s agenda, as it will open Tshwane up to the international investment market.

“This will strengthen diplomatic linkages into Africa through the vast number of embassies and trade missions present in Tshwane,” Mayor Msimanga said.

He was speaking during the unveiling of a new corporate identity for Wonderboom Airport, which forms part of the 80th anniversary celebration of the airport.

Mayor Msimanga said the airport has the opportunity to develop into a major airport economy as airports can evolve to host a range of new non-aeronautical functions and revenue drivers, from developing their real estate into commercial assets to transforming their terminals into revenue generators and flourishing logistics hubs alongside the runways.

“The next focus must be to expand the Airlink route network to more destinations,” he said.

Mayor Msimanga said he wants to expand the tenant base at the airport, as the airport has about 35 hectares.

Wonderboom Airport currently has close to 200 established companies operating on its premises.

“When we look at this closely, we may find the market to expand this even further and invite more business into this airport economy. The city is going to look into this and will soon engage business,” he said.

Mayor Msimanga wants cargo logistics to be improved.

“Given the vast industrial related activities and centres within and surrounding the City of Tshwane, this aviation sector still holds vast opportunities that can be exploited to enhance economic growth in Tshwane,” he said.