Smart cities, smart skies, linked cities, cutting-edge innovations and career exposure were at the heart of the 2025 edition of the Airports Regional Economic Outlook (AREO) South Africa Conference, fittingly hosted at Lanseria International Airport, just 20 minutes from Mogale City.
Organised by Messe Frankfurt South Africa, AERO South Africa is a premier general aviation trade show, showcasing a wide spectrum of services and technologies across the aviation sector. The show forms part of the broader Lanseria Smart City vision, championed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. This vision is not only about connectivity and urban development but also about creating a smart, tourism-ready ecosystem that seamlessly integrates air mobility, hospitality and regional economic growth.
Lanseria Airport CEO Rampa Rammopo’s keynote address echoed the theme that smart aviation anchors smart cities. He shared the airport’s vision to accommodate 18 million passengers a year by 2027 which will be realised through a strategic initiative such as major infrastructure upgrades, the expansion of a fuel farm and an entry into the air cargo sector. For Mogale City, this not only means greater domestic and international footfall but also a rise in local tourism-linked business opportunities ranging from accommodation and shuttle services to leisure experiences and cultural attractions.
In additional to existing nodes that link Johannesburg and Pretoria to Mogale City, the unfolding smart city vision and expansion of the Lanseria International Airport will serve as a strategic gateway for global tourists into the Cradle of Humankind, Magaliesberg mountain region and nearby leisure destinations.
As one of the major land contributors to the Lanseria Smart City vision, Mogale City is more than a bystander, it is key partner in shaping a tourism-forward future. In a message of support, Executive Mayor Lucky Sele reaffirmed Mogale City’s commitment, highlighting the broader economic benefits this collaboration is expected to unlock.