With Swaziland set to host Routes Africa at the end of May, Sikhuphe International Airport is well on way to construction. Routes News gives an overview of what Sikhuphe can offer Domestic and International carriers.
- Sikhuphe International Airport is a new airport being built in Swaziland to replace the exisiting facility at Matsapha International Airport..
- The airport is located 40 minutes by road from the commercial centre of Manzini
- The facility is being built to meet the realistic future aviation demand and will be able to handle larger aircraft
- Vector Management is project managing the construction of the new airport
- 3,500m runway (already constructed)
- Modern Terminal
- 12 check in counters
- Apron spaces:2 spaces for Code E, 3 spaces for Code C
- The apron can easily be configured differently or extended when required
- Altitude 325m
Runways
The Category 1 runway has a declared length of 3580 metres. It is 45 metres wide with paved shoulders of 7.5 metres each side. This is sufficient for Code E aircraft. The runway geometry and side slopes are compliant to ICAO Annex 14. The declared altitude of the runway is predicted to be 324 metres. The turn pads at the runway ends can accommodate B777-300, B747-400 or A340-600 aircraft.
Demographics
The population mix of Swaziland is 97% African and 3% European. The majority of Swaziland's population is ethnically Swazi, with a small number of Zulu and White Africans, mostly people of British and Afrikaner descent. Swaziland is also home to Portuguese and African settlers from Mozambique.
Transport Links
A 17 km access road will link the airport to the main east west highway which connects the Mozambique border to the capital Mbabane which is approximately one hour away. This highway continues on to the RSA border some 30 minutes from Mbabane.
The Economy
Economic growth in Swaziland has averaged 2.8% per annum. The main sectors of its diverse economy are agriculture, forestry and mining, manufacturing and services.
Mix Of Trade
Sugar, soft drink concentrates, citrus products and wood pulp are Swaziland's major exports.
Companies
Coca Cola is the largest export earner for Swaziland. Coca cola benefits from the availability of cheap raw sugar in Swaziland and has a major operation making soft drink concentrate.
Employment
Sikhuphe International Airport will assist in stimulating the economy in the east of Swaziland and the government is taking dynamic measures to rapidly increase tourism to this peaceful unspoilt country and to attract significant inward investment. Plans include extensive improvements and expansion of tourism infrastructure with exciting new attractions, a focus on eco-tourism, conservation and exposition of African culture.
Tourism
Visitors are attracted to Swaziland's game and nature reserves, adventure tourism, golf and casinos. Swaziland is able to offer tourists over one million beds in a variety of tourist accommodation ranging from backpacker type lodges and campsites to game lodges and five star establishments. Aside from its own attractions, Swaziland acts as a gateway to attractions in neighbouring countries such as the beaches and coast of Mozambique, and the Kruger and KwaZulu Natal National parks in South Africa. Unlike some of its neighbouring countries though as a tourist destination Swaziland benefits from the widespread use of English which makes the country more accessible for visitors from many source countries.
To view the Sikhuphe enhanced airport profile on Routesline please click on the following link
https://www.routesonline.com/airports/8241/sikhuphe-international-airport/
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