Update

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The Plettenberg Bay community is up in arms following a move by the Bitou Municipality to boot CemAir out of the local airport – an act that residents believe would have a detrimental impact on the town.

This after the operator has invested heavily in upgrading the town’s airport, provided humanitarian aid during last year’s devastating fires and on a continuous basis contributed to charity and upliftment of the town’s communities.

The municipality announced on Saturday that it had given CemAir notice to cease operations at the Plettenberg Bay Airport after the operator allegedly failed to honour an agreement with the municipality.

MM issues vacation notice
Acting municipal manager Johnny Douglas issued the notice following a resolution made during a special council meeting recently.

The notice instructs CemAir to cease operations with immediate effect and to vacate airport premises within 30 days.

Municipal spokesperson Manfred van Rooyen explained that the operator was granted use of the airport at a fixed monthly fee and since the company had not honoured the provisions of this agreement, council resolved to sever ties with CemAir.

Airline refutes muni claims
CemAir has since hit back, stating that on 27 March 2014 it had signed a written agreement with the municipality for the provision of a scheduled air service to Plett by making use of the airport. 

“The agreement outlined the terms of use of the aerodrome and gave CemAir use of the facilities at no cost. Little maintenance had been performed at the airport in the previous decade and substantial improvements were required, the operator's statement read.

"The no-fee structure was an essential prerequisite for CemAir to launch the service and make the necessary infrastructural upgrades to the airport. The entire cost of restoring the facility rested with CemAir. Everything from the paint on the walls and repairs of the roof, to the installation of the gate onto the apron was provided by CemAir.”

'Stall in negotiations'
The operator further stated that in February last year, CemAir proposed new terms for the use of the airport which included a five-year minimum lease and a fixed fee arrangement which was to be governed by a new formal agreement. 

“Although the municipality undertook to negotiate the new agreement, this never took place and the municipality became unresponsive to enquiries. The municipality did, however, attempt to unilaterally accept the payment offer from CemAir without binding themselves to any duration or performance obligations as outlined in the offer. 

"It is this amount they now seek to recover as the so-called ‘provisions of an agreement that CemAir has not honoured’.”

'Outlay far exceeds money owed'
The statement further said that direct payments made by CemAir to provide airport infrastructure – ordinarily the obligation of the airport owner – far exceeded the amount now being claimed by the municipality.

“The rash decision to terminate overnight what has taken so long to develop can neither be justified nor defended. If the municipality had honoured its undertakings to continue with negotiations and reach an agreement, this situation would not exist. 

"Even so, this relatively simple impasse could so easily have been resolved through dialogue and partnership. However, the municipality has chosen a path that is neither beneficial nor considered and that will ultimately result in loss and inconvenience to the very people they are charged to serve.”

Very vocal and unhappy locals
Since the municipality’s decision came to light this week, residents have been very vocal about their opposition to the move.

“Cemair bought in over 50 tons of donations at their own cost to help Plett and Knysna out during the fires. They have helped this community more than anyone else. It's interesting how quickly people forget that. 

"Nevermind the business that they bring for tourism. This is very disappointing,” Christy Strever said.

Resident Joanne Barrett said she was very concerned about the impact on local business and job security in Plettenberg Bay.

'Terrible for Plett'
“This is terrible for Plett business and working people. What about all the amazing work and kindness shown in our time of need with the fires last year. CemAir showed no hesitation in continuing flights and providing supplies. What about all the kindness offered with transporting all kinds of animals? … 

"There is something very wrong. Cemair has been such a blessing, an asset and support to Plett. This is way too drastic,” Barrett said.

Karin van Riet said the only industry in Plett was tourism. “The only way this town can grow is through tourism, the only way this town can survive is tourism. What will they cancel next, Matric Rage?” Van Riet said.

Photo: Ewald Stander

Tourism CEO weighs in
Plett Tourism chair Peter Wallington agreed that CemAir’s removal from the airport would have an impact on tourism.

“Some people will obviously not visit Plett at all or consider Plett as a home destination. But just as importantly, it is the marketability of Plett that is impacted negatively – it is not just those who have used the air service, but those who we and others market the service to as part of the Plett package. 

"Ultimately, the less appealing Plett is or becomes, there is the possibility of less revenue coming into the town – and that has consequences for employment, among other issues,” he said.

Invitation to other airlines?
Despite not signing a five-year lease with CemAir, the municipality has now invited commercial airlines to submit proposals to conduct operations from the airport for a lease period of five years.

According to the special council meeting minutes, the municipality would continue to engage with National Treasury regarding the entering into of a public private partnership with an airline carrier or commercial airline.

CemAir's significant contribution
CemAir says it has contributed heavily to the community of Plettenberg Bay since operations started.

• For the past three years it has sponsored the town’s lifeguards, and in 2017 provided the only beach protection through the entire winter season.
• In 2016 the operator took 150 of the Bitou community’s disadvantaged children and poorest citizens on their first flight experience. It also, in 2016, organised the Mayoral Golf Day, raising more than R400 000 for the Bitou Mayoral Education Fund.
• During the fires of 2017, CemAir flew 40 tons of relief supplies to the area at no cost. Its fire engine was also used to protect local communities and staff saved several homes. It also provided 10 000 litres of jet fuel to the airborne fire rescue team at cost when the airport tanks ran dry.

“As soon as the municipality had paid their bill and received further stock we received a cease-and-desist letter. While people’s houses burned they (the municipality) were concerned about monopolising the fuel supply to secure their profits,” CemAir said in a statement.

The operator further said that in its agreement with Bitou Municipality it was recorded that the success of the airline service required the ongoing commitment from all parties.

“In the last year, Bitou Municipality through the acting airport manager has become obstructive and aggressive and safety standards have not been maintained. This became so severe that in the December 2017 edition of our inflight magazine we signalled to the market that an end of this service may soon be announced.”

• The operator said the scheduled airline service to Plettenberg Bay had created jobs and improved the economic outlook of the region. 

“During the last four years we have conducted over 3 500 flights and carried over 65 000 passengers to and from the town. It is disappointing that Bitou Municipality has failed to recognise the vast contribution made by the airline.”

ARTICLE: YOLANDÉ STANDER, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD CORRESPONDENT

'We bring you the latest Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route news'