Construction of the planned aerotropolis – around the main hub of OR Tambo International Airport – has made headway since it was officially launched in November last year.

“The Gauteng province and the City of Ekhurhuleni are working closely with Airports Company South Africa and the aviation industry to improve OR Tambo’s competitive advantage as part of the aerotropolis rollout,” said Gauteng Premier, David Makhura, in his State of the Province Address this week.

He said construction of the Midfield Cargo Terminal and the development of the Western Commercial Precinct were under way. “These two developments augur well for OR Tambo International Airport as a regional hub for long-haul passengers.”

Once completed, the aerotropolis will have a business tourism, retail and cultural travel component, providing investment and opportunities for conference and exhibition venues as well as accommodation facilities.

Construction will take place in stages but final completion of the project is set for 2030.

Makhura pointed out that the development of the aerotropolis formed part of the Gauteng City Region’s implementation of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his State of the Nation Address last week.

“We are doing so, focusing on our high-growth priority sectors and infrastructure investment projects that will unlock the transformation, modernisation and re-industrialisation of the different corridors and districts of our city region,” Makhura said.

He identified the tourism and hospitality sector as one of eight key industries that would unlock growth in the province.