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Durban International Airport

In addition to the above, there are also a number of other possible uses and applications for the DIA site. One very strong possibility is to use a portion of the site to establish an Aerospace Village along the lines of the proposed Centurion Aerospace Village.

This would entail creating a centre where the domestic and foreign manufacturers of dirigibles, unmanned aerial systems (UAW) and non-type certificated aircraft (NTCA) would be encouraged to set up business. This type of concept could only be implemented with the direct support and assistance of Government.

Also, some of the excess land at DIA could be sold off and utilized for "new economy" industrial purposes, such as the manufacture of high value, low weight, time sensitive articles or components.

These industries could then utilize the air transport facilities at the "City Airport" for the rapid import of manufacturing components and the export of the completed manufactured goods.

This concept has proven to be very successful in areas such as the Philippines, Dubai, Hong Kong and some industrial zones in China.

It is clear that aviation industry could construct a very compelling proposal on how DIA could be used for a variety of aviation and other purposes.However, time is running out fast. If the industry does not act now it will not be able to put together a realistic proposal before the end of the year.

The country's interested bodies and stakeholders, therefore, urgently need to start working on a consolidated proposal that will convince Government to preserve DIA. Observers feel very strongly that, unless the aviation industry does not grasp the nettle, this opportunity would be lost forever.

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