Pretoria – The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government joined residents who came out in large numbers to witness the fourth leg of the 2013 KZN Winter Air Tour.
The project is aimed at bringing aviation to the people and sharing more about the industry. It is for both young and old to get a sneak peek at what it takes to become a world-class pilot.
Provincial MECs for Economic Development and Tourism, Mike Mabuyakhulu, Finance, Ina Cronjé and uMhlathuzi Municipality Mayor Elphas Mbatha were among the thousands who witnessed the tour on Saturday at Richards Bay Airport.
Speaking at the air tour, Cronje said that through the show, they were taking aviation to the people, but also showcasing regional airports as the viable business proposition for local businesses.
She added that the provincial government had assisted various regional airports financially to a tune of almost around R100 million for upgrades and to extend their runways so that they could land bigger aircraft.
“It is very encouraging that we now have four daily scheduled flights from Pietermaritzburg to Johannesburg. We just started flights from Newcastle to Johannesburg and Durban. Currently there is also a flight from Ulundi to Durban and Pietermaritzburg and soon Johannesburg one will be available in Ulundi.
“Richards Bay has three daily return flights to Johannesburg. We also have plans for other small regional airports. We are really changing the face of aviation and access for ordinary people to travel around the province and for tourism purposes.
“But most importantly we want access for business because we want to see doing business with the province of KwaZulu-Natal much easier for business people,” said Cronjé.
Mabuyakhulu said such shows were crucial because they add to the number of vibrant events throughout the province.
Mayor Mbatha said the air tour was important because of its potential for tourism growth for the district especially because uMhlathuze is the fast growing tourist area in the coast.
A local resident and businessman, Thula Mkhwanazi, said: “We are really enjoying ourselves seeing displays we only see on television, whoever came up with this idea is brilliant. I see other local business people are already selling food here and we are happy that Richards Bay is being put on the international map.”
The next air tour will be at Pietermaritzburg Airport on 29 June 2013. – SAnews.gov.za
