PE runway extension awaits approval of funds

LEONARD NEILL PLANS HAVE been drawn up and preliminary costing completed for the lengthening of the main runway at Port Elizabeth airport. This will enable larger aircraft to handle the types of passenger and freight services which the region now needs, says Transport Minister Jeff Radebe. The Coega development has seen an increasing number of businessmen and growing volumes of cargo heading for South Africa’s newest port. Then there is the matter of the 2010 Soccer World Cup, when passengers and freight will want to fly direct from overseas to Port Elizabeth. It is all going to happen, says Radebe. He says the number of arriving and departing passengers moving through the airport has increased dramatically during recent years, and imported cargo has to be transhipped in Johannesburg to smaller aircraft when destined for PE. The extension is expected to be completed in 12 months and will begin once funds have been approved.