LEONARD NEILL BISHO AIRPORT, which has stood with a staff and no aircraft using it since it was built two decades ago, will become the strategic location of a cargo terminal for the Eastern Cape, if plans being drawn up by the provincial Roads and Transport are approved by government. Heading the initiative is provincial Roads and Transport MEC Thobile Mhlahlo, who is arranging talks with major manufacturers like DaimlerChrysler and Volkswagen about the possibility of their flying vehicles and parts directly to the airport from which there is easy access to both East London and Uitenhage. After expressions of interest were called for by his department recently, 14 leading manufacturers replied. As a result more information is being obtained from them at present on individual requirements, says Mhlahlo. “It is critical to find an alternative mode of transport to get heavy trucks off the R72 coastal road linking Port Elizabeth and East London. Bisho airport is therefore ideal as a central hub for goods,” he says.
