Scheduled flights between cities as well as charter flights between cities and places of accommodation will be run by a variety of operators as well as an independent airline with flights to Durban, Cape Town and other parts of the country.
EARLY BEGINNINGS The farm Wonderboom was originally owned by twin brothersDoors and Lou Erasmus before the City Council of Pretoria decided to build a landing strip on the Wonderboom farm. In 1937, the landing strip was open for air traffic, the beginnings of Wonderboom Airport.
In the three years to follow, until 1940, the Pretoria Light Aircraft Company and the Pretoria Flying Club used it for flight training for government student pilots and also undertook chartered flights.
Then when the Second World War broke out, the Department of Defence took control of it and all military flight training for the Royal Air Force and SA Air Force pilots was undertaken here. This training ended after the war, 8 March 1946, and the airport was handed back to the City Council of Pretoria.
During the 80s, Wonderboom Airport became the base for one of the biggest parachute clubs in South Africa, but due to increased helicopter traffic over the years, this sport had to be scaled down.
GROWTH AND EXPANSION
Numerous improvements and upgrades have taken place, including the runway being extended to handle bigger aircraft and more passengers and cargo as well as more over-border traffic. The first Boeing 737, named Pongola, landed at the airport in 1982.
At the end of 2009, the revamped airport was launched and the upgraded infrastructure includes the arrival and departure halls, a coach gate with kiosks and a public transport facility developed for tour buses and shuttles. Three car hire companies are also operating at the airport.
Post 2010, operations and projections amongst others are to target one million passengers per annum within five to seven years, as well as to enhance the consideration regarding the application for re-obtaining international (regional) status for the Wonderboom Airport.
EAT AND RELAX
The jet lounge features leather chairs, marble top tables and granite counters as well as offering exceptional elevated views across the airfield. The jet lounge will host both whiskey and wine tastings and private functions with meze platters and cocktail snacks.
The terminal building hosts The Villa San Giovanni Ristorante, an outstanding Italian restaurant, terrace and pizzeria for passengers and visitors. Excellent conference facilities are available utilising the restaurant for catering, and accommodation is also available at Villa San Giovanni Hotel.
You can have a lovely day outing to this airport where you will be amazed at this busy little hub in the heart of Pretoria while you relax on the terrace and watch the many aircraft coming in to land and heading out to various destinations!
