There is an opportunity for Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) to develop an Aviation Park at Upington International Airport.

The development can accommodate aircraft maintenance, repair and overhauling (MRO) facilities as well as services such as aircraft storage, end-of-lease refurbishment or scrapping, parts distribution and cargo development.

The climate and space for aircraft storage, the viability for green (solar) energy and a greenfield site to construct a state-of-the-art facility make Upington International Airport a favourable location for an MRO facility.

Upington International Airport's 4.9 km runway allows it to land the largest aircraft. Airports Company South Africa is a partner in the application to run the Upington Industrial Park (UIP) and has allocated 55 ha for the creation of an Aviation Park to store and maintain aircraft and a further 30 ha for commercial development.

The planned storage facility could also support a variety of related sectors such as modification and demolition, parts manufacturing and warehousing and ground support equipment (GSE) repair.

A feasibility study was concluded which indicated that the projects present a viable business opportunity for ACSA and the local community. The study indicated that the development could be very lucrative.