One of the many successful enterprises around George Airport is run by husband and wife team, Len and Les Alford, who assemble and market a slick range of Australian-designed kitplanes.
The Alfords, who secured the agency for Jabiru aircraft five years ago, have assembled 130 planes to date and orders keep pouring in. Their customer-base spreads throughout southern Africa with clients ranging from business and professional people to farmers, country doctors and vets or those who simply want to fly for recreation.
Since relocating from KwaZulu-Natal 18 months ago and setting up their new assembly plant in George, they've been able to substantially increase their turnaround. At the time of my visit there were a dozen aircraft, both two- and four-seaters, on the floor in various stages of assembly. They've just taken delivery of another container-load from Australia with three more on their way and were expecting a client from Kenya later that day to discuss the customisation of his new aeroplane.
It's the price tag R330 000 for a standard two-seater and R470 000 for four-seater and the performance of these aircraft that keep on swinging the deals with Jabiru hailed as the hottest number on the South African aviation scene.
The timing of Jabiru's entry into the market was spot on. The rand was plummeting against the US dollar and private flying was at a low ebb. It was becoming almost impossible for the average potential aircraft owner to afford a new machine.
But news of the aircraft's capabilities soon spread and after its success at the Presidents Trophy air race in 2000 orders literally flooded in, with most being purchased "sight unseen".
"That's when we had to spread our wings," says Les, who is in charge of the marketing and admin side of the business. "Our premises at Hillcrest became too cramped and security was a big problem. Our move to George has been the single best thing for our business."
The factory, which is as neat as a pin, employs 10 fulltime staff. The workshop operation has been upgraded and has been awarded the AMO certificate No 909 by SACAA as well as having gained approval from Namibian Civil Aviation.
Dirk van den Berg, a licensed test pilot, tests the new Jabirus as they come off the assembly line. He also puts all new owners on a full conversion-training course before they can take final delivery of their aircraft. "How long it takes depends on the individual, but everyone is fully proficient when they leave here," says Les.
Len and Les feel the key to their success is being able to provide a product that is robust and safe at an excellent price. "We want to provide affordable flying to everyone, that's why prices for our aircraft and our maintenance costs are among the lowest in the world."

Jackie Joubert