ABOUT US
Nestled beautifully in the Western Cape winelands, Cape Winelands Airport (formerly Fisantekraal Airfield) is an ex-South African Airforce airfield now operating privately as a general flying airfield and is the preferred base for aviation training in the Cape Town region. Of the four original runways, two remain operational while the other two are used as Hollywood favourites for movie and film production.
Located on a 150ha site, Cape Winelands Airport manages numerous aircraft hangars for the storage and maintenance of private aircraft and helicopters, with plenty of room for further development and ancillary services.
Whether you’re looking for a picturesque alternative for private aviation transport, to learn how to fly an aircraft or simply require a base for your own private aircraft offerings, Cape Winelands Airport is perfectly situated and equipped to facilitate your needs.
History of the Airport
Cape Winelands Airport (formerly Fisantekraal Airfield) is an ex-South African Air Force airfield built circa 1943 initially for the operation of Lockheed Ventura bombers before being transferred to the local municipality in the 1960s. It has been under private ownership since 1993 and is conveniently located approximately half-way between the Cape Town CBD and Paarl.
The largest aircraft to have landed at Cape Winelands Airport was the Lockheed C-130 Hercules on 22 August 2017. Many advertisements and movies have also been filmed on location at Cape Winelands Airport, including the following productions:
- Fear Factor (Endemol Productions)
- Getaway Car (BBC)
- Homeland (Showtime Productions)
- The Crown (Netflix)
- Kissing Booth 2 (Netflix)
Having been acquired in 2020 by the creative group who brought you playful spaces in Cape Town like the Old Biscuit Mill, the River Club and South Africa’s original art boutique hotel – Daddy Long Legs – Cape Winelands Airport aims to leverage off the natural beauty of its surroundings in its facilitation of private aircraft services.
THE TEAM
Cape Winelands Airport has an incredibly strong team, balanced well with extensive property development, business administration and aviation experience.
Dirk Ackerman
NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
1995-2000 CEO of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). Established business leader and Chairman of TIQ Business Group since 2004.
Dan Aufrichtig
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in the advertising agency business having built and exited multiple operations. Daniel now focuses on private equity having invested in multiple companies across a diverse range of industries, including igaming, software, property and Biotech.
Nicholas Ferguson CA (SA)
EXECUTIVE MANAGING DIRECTOR
2001-2015 lead Property Developer in commercial, mixed use and residential developments totalling more than 250,000m2 of space and 1500 apartments. 2019 – 2021 Managing Director and lead for Cape Winelands Airport Development. With a track record of more than 20 years in property development, he is a leader in the industry in Cape Town.
Monhla Hlahla
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
2001-2011 Managing Director of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). Served as Chairperson of the Johannesburg Water Utility, The Trans-Caledon Water Authority and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). With a track record of more than 35 years in infrastructure development and management, she is a leading Public-Sector manager and thought leader with a proven track record.
Fabian Msimang
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
2012 -2020 Chief of the South African Air Force (SAAF). 2010-2012 Chief director, and Major General responsible for Air Force strategy, policies, capabilities and resource allocation. (SAAF)
Deon Cloete BCom; MBL
MANAGING DIRECTOR
2008-2021 General Manager of Cape Town International Airport (ACSA). 2001-2008 General Manager of Durban international Airport. 1999-2001 General Manager of South African Airways. Currently Board Chairperson of Cape Town Convention Centre. With a track record of 36 years in aviation, he is a leading airport expert in Southern Africa.
Girish Gopal Bsc. Msc. MBA
HEAD OF ENGINEERING & OPERATIONS
Adele Klingenberg
HEAD OF PLANNING & STRATEGY
2016 – 2021 Chief Airport Planner, ACSA, including engagement and negotiations for 80% of ACSA’s capital investment program during this time. 2006-2016 Infrastructure Planning & Integration Manager, Cape Town International Airport and OR Tambo Airports (Responsible for the planning behind the runway realignment in Cape Town). 2002-2006 Assistant Planning & Development Manager, National Ports Authority. With a track record of more than 25 years in Aviation and Ports, she is the leading airport expert in strategy and design for these businesses in Southern Africa.
Mark Wilkinson CA (SA)
Director
Chartered Accountant (SA) with commercial exposure to multiple industries. Responsible for the operations of Cape Winelands Airport since acquisition and has been instrumental in driving a 150% increase in occupancy and substantial increase in activity.
Deidre Davids
HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS
2015-2021 Senior Manager – Corporate Affairs Cape Town International Airport (ACSA), 2007-2015 Brand & Communications Manager CTIA; 2004- 2007 Senior Communications Officer ACSA. With a track record of more than 17 years with ACSA and specifically in Cape Town International Airport, she is the leading communications and corporate affairs in South Africa.
Pilot Information
Of the four runways in existence at Cape Winelands Airport, two are currently in operation at 900m and 700m in length and 20m and 16m in width respectively.
You're Welcome
Cape Winelands Airport is always looking to build new tenant relationships in its pursuit of becoming Cape Town’s most beautiful private general airport operator.
Airport Operations
Located on a 150ha site, Cape Winelands Airport manages numerous aircraft hangars for the storage and maintenance of private aircraft and helicopters.