STELLENBOSCH – Cape Winelands Airport and Stellenbosch University (SU) have signed a cooperation agreement centred on “smart” and “green” development, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable growth and academic advancement.

Collaborative focus areas span agriculture and food processing, spatial planning, transport and logistics, space and aviation research, and the integration of airport operations with urban development.

The partnership aligns directly with the airport’s planned R8 billion expansion – a project expected to transform it into a major economic hub and a unique platform for applied research, innovation, and multi-disciplinary industry collaboration.

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Innovation on the ground

Engineering cooperation is identified as a central pillar, covering technical innovation, infrastructure development, and operational efficiency linked to the airport’s long-term growth.

“This initiative speaks directly to the kind of partnership-driven development we believe in, where infrastructure, innovation, and skills come together to create real impact,” said Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, SU rector and vice-chancellor.

“The Cape Winelands Airport project offers an opportunity to build a dynamic ecosystem that can unlock economic growth, support emerging industries, and position the region as a hub of innovation and opportunity.”

Deon Cloete, managing director for Cape Winelands Airport, said the cooperation is an important milestone. “By working closely with SU, we are creating a platform to explore future-focused solutions that benefit the aviation sector, students, and the broader regional economy,” he explained.

Initial collaboration includes applied research opportunities for master’s students in SU’s Engineering Management programme, as well as facilities for testing, prototyping, and innovation linked to aviation, logistics, and smart technologies.

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From classroom to cockpit

The partnership will also explore aviation talent pipelines – from pilot training and airport operations to engineering and transport logistics – with the goal of building a long-term skills ecosystem in the Western Cape.

Prof Sibusiso Moyo, SU’s deputy vice-chancellor for Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, added: “This collaboration creates valuable opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement across fields ranging from engineering to agriculture. Strengthening academia-industry partnerships enables meaningful knowledge exchange and innovative solutions that benefit both the region and society more broadly.

The expansion is projected to sustain around 35 000 direct and indirect jobs during construction and over 100 000 in its first 20 years of operation – positioning it as one of the most significant infrastructure and economic development initiatives in the Western Cape.

As the airport evolves, the partnership aims to keep academic research, innovation, and skills development closely connected to the opportunities it generates.

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