Fueling Tomorrow: Lanseria’s Next Chapter in General Aviation
From Refined Infrastructure to Aviation Excellence: Crafting a Premier General Aviation Experience
All good things are repeated. And when Lanseria International Airport extended another invitation to sit down and speak, we took the opportunity without hesitation. As one of South Africa’s premier privately owned airports, Lanseria’s voice in infrastructure and innovation continues to echo powerfully across the continent. Following our first feature with CEO Rampa Rammopo, we now enter part two of our exclusive three-part series by sitting down with one of the most enduring figures at the airport; Danie Opperman, Executive Manager of Corporate Services. If anyone understands the beating heart of Lanseria’s evolution, it’s him.
A Man Who Grew with the Runway
Step back to the tarmac of May 1st, 1991, the days Lanseria became the privately owned. Among the bustle of transition stood Danie, beginning his career as a financial administrator in Aviation. In a way, the airport’s transformation is a mirror of his own , both maturing, adapting, and stepping into larger roles with time. From finance to facilities, and now at the helm of Corporate Services, Danie has, quite literally, grown with the airport.
It’s been over three decades, “Longer than your age,” he jokes, but there’s weight behind the humour. This isn’t just a job. This is home. Lanseria’s Taxiways and Hangars tell the story of his career, one carefully built through grit, pride, and a deep commitment to aviation excellence.
Fuel for the Future: A 4.2 Million-Litre Vision
General aviation: The cornerstone of private flight, has long found sanctuary in Lanseria’s clean runways and well-oiled ecosystem. But the airport is no longer satisfied with simply keeping pace. It’s setting the tone.
At the centre of its upcoming General Aviation (GA) infrastructure drive is a state-of-the-art fuel farm, designed to increase storage capacity from 1 million litres to a staggering 4.2 million litres. It’s a project born from insight and necessity.
“Our current capacity just wasn’t enough,” Danie explains. “During the Soccer World Cup, we moved up to 400,000 litres in a day. We managed, but we knew something had to change.”
This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about resilience. The new farm, designed with world-class safety and fire suppression systems, ensures supply security through diversified sourcing, not just from coastal refineries, but inland too, reducing dependence on unpredictable imports and weather delays.
“We’re particular,” Danie adds, “We only buy from approved suppliers: Engen, Shell, Sasol and our transportation fleet is dedicated solely to Lanseria. The quality control is meticulous. The jets that land here expect excellence – and that’s exactly what they’ll get.”
Construction is poised to break ground between September and October 2025, with Phase One delivering full infrastructure for the final capacity, even if only one tank is initially installed. It’s a smart, scalable strategy, one that reflects Lanseria’s readiness to grow with its clients.
Hangars That Reflect High-End Vision
But fuel is just the beginning. Lanseria’s strategy to court the upper echelon of aviation includes a comprehensive rethink of its hangar infrastructure. Many of the airport’s legacy hangars, inherited after long-term leases ended, no longer suit the scale or style of today’s business jets.
Danie paints the picture plainly: “You can’t expect a Global Express to squeeze into a 30-year-old space. And clients want their aircraft to reflect their lifestyle – bespoke, premium, efficient.”
In response, Lanseria is refurbishing select existing hangars and opening new opportunities for tailor-made structures through modernised land lease agreements. For some, this means demolishing outdated units to make way for sleek, custom-built hangars. Others will undergo a full facelift, upgraded doors, weatherproofing, lighting, and even tenant specific enhancements through co-investment models.
“Our approach is collaborative,” Danie explains. “If a tenant wants porcelain tiles or specific lighting, we’ll meet halfway. It’s about creating value for them, and for us.”
One-Stop Aviation Ecosystem
Lanseria’s appeal isn’t only in the infrastructure, it’s in the environment. From maintenance hubs and avionics to paint shops and pilot training schools, the airport offers a rare, full-circle aviation experience.
“You can fly in, service your aircraft, attend your meetings, and not leave” unless you want a hotel stay, we joked. “It’s convenience at its most refined.” Danie says.
And perhaps most profoundly, Lanseria builds relationships. Many pilots who begin their journey training here, ideally should desire to return later in their careers, now at the helm of jets, choosing familiarity, trust, and quality over flashy alternatives.
The Horizon Ahead
As we concluded our interview, it was clear that the fuel tanks and hangar doors only scratch the surface of what’s coming. The future pulses with possibility and next, we’ll explore Lanseria’s Digital migration and Technology Transformation in our third and final instalment with Mpolaheng Mohlopi, the airport’s dynamic CFO.
For discerning travellers: whether seasoned jet-setters, business executives, or private pilots, flight is about more than getting from A to B. It’s about time well spent, seamless transitions and elevated comfort.
Lanseria International Airport is redefining its experience to meet the expectations of today’s refined traveller, delivering not just premium infrastructure, but a philosophy grounded in excellence and ease.
Whether you’re arriving in a private jet, flying commercially with distinction, or investing in the future of aviation, Lanseria isn’t just keeping pace with global standards – it’s setting them.
Coming Next in the Series, we sit down with CFO Mpolaheng Mohlopi to unpack the digital activities Lanseria is taking on – from AI-assisted systems to smart aviation technology, discover how innovation is fueling the airport’s nextascent: Stay with us!
Written By | Minnie Zondi
I am an insanely optimistic ambivert that does everything from the heart instead of the mind. Deeply interested in people and matters that pertain to mankind.
