Read my lipz: ‘Plett Airport ain’t gonna happen’
When I am asked ‘What’s happening to Plett Airport?’ the question really being asked is ‘When are we getting scheduled flights to and from Plettenberg Bay?’
The real answer, I’m afraid, is not one the community is going to like: It is unlikely to happen in the foreseeable future.
This answer does not come from me, nor does it have anything to do with Bitou Municipality, or even the current state of the airport. Furthermore, it has nothing to do with the argument between the Plett Hangar Owners Association and council, regarding the proposed 49-year letting of the airport to Indiza.
The answer emanates directly from an email by the CEO of Airlink to council, stating categorically that flying a commercial airliner to Plett is just not commercially viable for Airlink or any other air carrier. (The Association has a copy of this email in its possession.)
Airlink did not stop flying to Plett a few years ago for any other reason other than the fact that it became non-viable due to less expensive flights to George and Port Elizabeth. The existing airport receives both private and charter flights, both of which will increase if aviation fuel becomes available.
So there you have it. We all know that a working airport would be a great boost to Plett’s tourist trade and community, but as it is not viable, it’s just not going to happen.
Barry Lipschitz, by email
Source: CXpress