Creating an Intercontinental Gateway and Aerotropolis Master Development
An expanded capability and function to be located adjoining an existing regional airport (PLZ) in Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Presently, the Eastern Province in South Africa has a world-class seaport infrastructure but is inefficiently connected by air.
Passengers and air freight have to make use of airports in Cape Town and Johannesburg to reach the international markets with a lower level of service.
The new intercontinental air capability, therefore, will benefit established businesses in the Manufacturing – Logistics – Agriculture – Pharmaceutical and Marine Sectors, with an expanded market focus.
It will further increase the number of foreign tourists attracted to the Province.
An international consultant (Franco Eleuteri and Associates) based in Dallas, Texas, defined the initial concept and development strategy utilizing master development, sea-air-inland port, special economic zone, and industrial logistics expertise.
This utilizes a new model as a multi-functional solution on a 450-ha site adjoining the existing PLZ airport in Mandela Bay, South Africa, which belongs to the Metro.
Elements of the overall plan include
- the airside infrastructure (runways-taxiways and navaids)
- the passenger terminal (including customs and immigration functions)
- attached and remote aircraft hardstands handling widebody and narrowbody aircraft
- an industrial-logistics development zone
- an aircargo facility with attached hardstands
- a smart village and incubator development
- a hybrid electrical microgrid
- an agrivoltaics venture
- associated ventures outside the land area
The initiative enables a phased implementation, minimizing capital costs while meeting market needs.
