More and more foreign business jets (bizjets) are landing at the Welkom airport, confirming that this dilapidated facility urgently needs solicitude to restore it to the aerial tourism destination it once was.
In recent weeks, at least three foreign bizjets have brought VIP visitors to the city.
The first was an American registered Bombardier Challenger 604, the second was a Pilatus PC-12 registered in Uganda, and last week saw the arrival of a Cessna Citation from San Merino.
Welkom’s very own aviation fundi, Brian Emmenis, says these aircraft are bringing visitors to the Phakisa Freeway for motorsport events. Because of conditions at the Welkom airport, and Brian’s international aviation credentials, aircraft operators ask for his assistance and advice when entering or leaving Welkom’s airspace, and using the airport.
The Welkom airport was, in its heyday, at the centre of the economic hub of the city and a gem to be proud of, receiving high-powered visitors virtually every day.
Now it is considered a thorn in Welkom’s side. It is dilapidated, vandalised and ravaged. What was once “the pride of Welkom, is no more, and has become an extreme embarrassment,” to say the least, Emmenis told Vista.
Apart from being a well-known figure in aviation, both in South Africa as well as abroad, Emmenis is also the chairman of the Welkom Publicity Association.
There has been a sudden influx of visitors to Welkom over the past few weeks, largely due to the increased activity at the Phakisa Freeway just outside of the city.
The Welkom airport also regularly hosts national and international flights carrying visitors from all over, and was until recently also the host to the international glider championships.
Due to his close relationship with aviation in South Africa, one of the top aviation companies in the country appointed Emmenis to host the aircraft crew and its passengers from their point of arrival at the airport to departure. He provides a VIP service to these important clients.
Last week Tshediso Tlali, spokesperson for the Matjhabeng Municipality, told Vista that the municipality is in a process to refurbish the facility in line with the minimum statutory requirements, and there is a dedicated team in this regard.
“Also note that the municipality is currently conducting due diligence processes for the development of the facility of which details will be communicated once reports are completed. The municipality has also considered long term development of the facility,” he told Vista.
