Stellenbosch University and Cape Winelands Airport have signed a partnership agreement linked to the airport’s planned R8 billion expansion near Cape Town.

The university will work with the airport on research, innovation and skills development as the airport grows into what developers hope will become a major transport and business hub.

The partnership will give students and researchers opportunities to work on real-world projects linked to aviation, engineering, logistics, infrastructure and sustainability.

The collaboration will also explore ways to develop aviation-related skills, including pilot training, airport operations, engineering and transport logistics.

SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Deresh Ramjugernath, said the partnership would help connect infrastructure development with innovation and skills training.

“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. 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.”

Cape Winelands Airport Managing Director, Deon Cloete, said the project would create opportunities for students, researchers and industry to work together on future-focused solutions.

“The airport expansion also presents opportunities to contribute towards the development of future aviation talent pipelines within South Africa. Through collaboration with Stellenbosch University and broader industry stakeholders, Cape Winelands Airport is interested to explore opportunities linked to aviation skills development, pilot training pathways, airport operations, engineering disciplines, and future-focused transport and logistics capabilities. The intention is to create a long-term skills ecosystem that supports both economic growth and human capital development in the Western Cape.”

The expansion project, which is still subject to regulatory approvals, could create around 35,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction and more than 100,000 jobs over its first 20 years of operation.