History

Established in 1937

Situated in the heart of Midrand on 40ha, Grand Central has been around since 1937 when Mr Harry Shires, the man behind African Flying Services, bought the land as a speculative deal and gave permission to a few enthusiastic flyers to form a flying club.

Until 1939 there was much activity at the small Aerodrome where Muriel Shires became South Africa’s youngest flying pupil, whose instructor was none other than Miss Doreen Hooper, the country’s first female flying instructor.

Over the years Grand Central saw many changes with a timeline full of rich history:

1940’s – the war curtailed activities at Grand Central.

1950’s – Mr Eddie McConnell, manager of African Flying Services revives activities for the flying club

African Flying Services cannot continue with the flying tuition and the consequence of continual losses so Mr Bokkie Erasmus offers the flying club a site at Randjesfontein, and thus Louis’ Field became the home for the then 130 club members.

Mr Shires made an offer to the club to return to Grand Central.

1960’s – Dr Mickey Finn, who later went on to purchase the land, had the initiative to expand Grand Central. (Hangarage was charged at R25 per month which included landing fees.)

Grand Central saw more expansion, becoming home to commercial and private operators, training schools and maintenance organizations.

1990’s – Grand Central is taken over by a new consortium undergoing a multimillion Rand upgrade in 1992 allowing the aiport to offer more facilities thus playing an even more important part in the aviation industry in South Africa.

In June 2016 Old Mutual Life Assurance Company of South Africa (OMLACSA) became the sole shareholder of Grand Central Airport (Pty) Ltd bringing in a new era for the airport.