[imagesource: Barberton Airport]

What do you get somebody who has everything?

I’d say they can buy their own damn presents, but an expensive ‘outside the box’ option would be their very own airport.

On February 15, the privately-owned Barberton Airport will go on auction. Located roughly 45 kilometres from Mbombela (previously called Nelspruit), the property on which the airport sits appears have great potential.

Business Insider SA first picked up on it, pointing out that Barberton sees air traffic due to “tourists visiting the nearby Songimvelo Game Reserve and historic ghost town of Eureka City”:

The town has its own airport, registered and licensed with the South African Civil Aviation Authority, with FABR as its official ICAO airport code.

Image: Barberton Airport

The airport was previously used as a bush and mountain flying training facility. The owner relocated to the United States in 2016 and the privately owned airport has recently been put up for auction.

The auction is being run by Aucor and will take place at Jozi’s Houghton Golf Club.

Aucor’s Sean O’Shea says there has been some interest from local farmers.

The airport’s website offers more insight into other potential revenue streams:

The airport has a 1000m (3300ft) grass runway with lights. Numerous opportunities exist here such a farm or lodge with private airstrip, flight school, maintenance, aircraft manufacturing etc. A new owner is not obligated in any way to continue operating the property as an airport so the runway area can be shut down and used for farming if required.

Image: Barberton Airport

There two 2 houses. The main residence is a 625sqm (6727sqft) 6 bedroom double story house consisting of kitchen-bar, lounge-dining area with fire place, pantry, scullery, laundry, pool, large hanger – garage – workshop with adjoining storerooms that can accommodate 2-3 light aircraft and or vehicles, and tower / office.

Image: Barberton Airport

The second house was the old terminal building that was converted into a private double story house, garage and workshop. It is situated halfway down the runway next to the apron /aircraft parking area.

In total, the airport, runway, and buildings occupy just 12 hectares of the 45 hectare property so there’s plenty of room for other endeavours such as game or cattle farming.

As an added bonus, the property includes a twin-engine aircraft, tractor, and a de-licensed explosives store that can be relicensed or used as a storeroom.

Image: Barberton Airport

The current owner, who lives permanently in the US, will even throw in a firefighting vehicle:

Image: Barberton Airport

To take part in the auction you’ll need to lay down a R50 000 refundable deposit.

I’m out, but I’m pretty intrigued as to what that final selling price will be.

[sources:businsidersa&barbertonairport]