It was the vision of aviation enthusiasts in the early ’70s and since the opening of Lanseria International Airport (LIA) in 1974, it established itself as an internationally recognised player in the aviation sector. Shaun Pozyn, Head of Marketing at kulula.com gives some insights on why travelers should consider Lanseria International Airport (LIA) for their next business or holiday travel. www.lanseria.co.za
“For a start, the airport has undergone massive investment, including a much-expanded parkade and retail precinct. In addition, over the next few years, the airport is planning a R2 billion investment to double its capacity – to six million passengers annually – by 2028. This expansion will include establishing an ‘airport city’ around Lanseria, with hotels and offices. Gautrain also plans to extend its high-speed rail network to Lanseria. www.gautrain.co.za
“Airside, the duty-free section boasts a SLOW XS transit lounge exclusively for qualifying kulula.com, FNB, RMB and Comair Limited VIP guests. Apart from a space to catch up on work or relax, travellers can sample the bite-sized taster-inspired menu, which focuses on small-scale produce with hand-selected ingredients. Visitors to the lounge can also savour a cold-brewed coffee selection and boutique, small-batch alcohol labels from micro-distilleries.” www.slow.co.za
But it’s not just what’s in the airport that makes it a good choice, adds Pozyn. Lanseria’s position – between Gauteng’s two major economic hubs – means it’s convenient for leisure and especially business travellers commuting between Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town frequently.
The Cradle of Humankind is just 15 minutes’ drive from Lanseria, says Pozyn. It’s an enormously important paleoanthropological site, home to around 40% of the world’s human ancestor fossils, and a must-see for visitors. Apart from superb interactive exhibits, the facility also offers fine dining, various adventure sports and game viewing. www.cradleofhumankind.net
Further afield, Lanseria is less than two hours’ drive from Sun City and there is a fairly direct route on two major motorways that will get you to the Kruger National Park in under five hours.
With over 70 weekly kulula.com flights between Lanseria, Durban and Cape Town and with faster check-in processes, as well as a shorter walk from the car park to the terminal it’s an obvious first choice for visitors to Gauteng, concludes Pozyn.
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