Cape Town: The Aviation training and job creation takes off to propose the smart real estate sale. Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth and Tourism – Alderman James Vos stated that the Mayoral Committee has agreed to recommend to Council the sale of the Vissershok site to the Morningstar Flyers Association.
The recent move aims to help ensure that this is a vital hub for aviation training, aircraft maintenance and flight activities that can continue to thrive and expand. James Vos said that he has visited the facility several times and have seen first-hand positive impact that the Morningstar Flyers Association makes, not only in the aviation economy of the city but also in the incredible empowerment programmes, which they run for underprivileged youth.
Moreover, the skills and opportunities they provide for aspiring aviators and technicians are truly inspirational. According to James Vos, the proposed sale consists of about 32.4 hectares of agricultural zoned land.
The proposal includes the initial lease area of about 26.8 hectares plus an additional area of about 5.6 hectares. The association has been leasing the city land for about 30 years and over time developed it as an airfield with current facilities. Hangars, as they are called, to keep aircraft have been erected by the individual club members.
Securing the ownership of the site, the Morningstar Flyers Association will be able to make long-term investments, by expanding their activities and further enhancing the facility with improved runway infrastructure and additional hangar space.
Also, this will unlock even greater opportunities for skills development, employment and economic growth in the high-value sector.
Considering this, James Vos expressed that he was proud to motivate the report for adoption because the land ownership paves the way for ambitious initiatives that benefit both industry and the broader community.
Furthermore, the transaction is a great example of how the smart real estate strategy of the City of Cape Town is about disposing of land, and about enabling the economic expansion, investment and job creation.
Vos stated that this decision underscores the position of the Cape Town as a leading aviation hub and reflects the commitment to industries that drive innovation and opportunity. He said, “I look forward to seeing the Morningstar Flyers Association soar to new heights. Recommendations by the Mayco will be tabled at the next Council meeting for their final decision.
The property has been assessed thoroughly and requires no municipal purposes. The funds generated from the sale of this land will go towards service delivery, all over city-wide.