The Aviator Precinct: Willunga families Cesco and Smith push ahead with ambitious Fleurieu aviation development

A unique tourist attraction featuring vintage biplanes, fine dining and cellar door experiences could transform the Fleurieu Peninsula, if approved.

Adelaide Biplanes is set to expand their operations at Aldinga. Picture: Supplied

Mixing vintage planes and fine dining, a new heritage development is set to take flight in – and over – the Fleurieu Peninsula.

The well-known Cesco and Smith families are spearheading The Aviator, offering tourism flights and a restaurant near the Colville Rd airfield at Aldinga.

The families, who have jointly owned Adelaide Biplanes for a decade, would move their vintage biplanes from Aldinga Airfield across the road for a new facility.

It would feature two hangars with glass panelsand a grass landing strip.

A cellar door with a cafe and reception would centre around their ‘Aviator Shiraz’ wine label, grown in existing vineyards and new on-site vines.

The cafe would offer “soulful meals” from a country kitchen, showcasing the region’s “warmth and hospitality”, the Aviator team said.

Adelaide Biplanes’ business owner and pilot, Martin Smith, with granddaughter, Evie Cesco and family members Gaylene Smith, Bonnie and Steve Cesco and baby Toby Cesco, in front of one of their biplanes, in 2021. Picture: Dean Martin

Co-founder Gaylene Smith said they had been working on the project for many years and remain “just as passionate, committed and optimistic” after the public notification period expired, requiring them to go back to public consultation.

“The rules shifted so we simply shift with them. This is part of the planning journey – and we’re ready for the next step,” Ms Smith said.

“Our aeroplanes have been part of this region’s landscape and identity for nearly two decades.

“They’re more than machines – they’re emotion, nostalgia, adventure. People come from all over Australia to feel that magic.”

Both cellar door and cafe would open from 8am and offer a special viewing deck for pre-flight checks, takeoffs and landings, for up to 75 patrons.

An exclusive function room dubbed “Skittle Alley”, would host up to 75 patrons every day from 10am.

Pilot Martin Smith in front of one of his biplanes. Picture: Dean Martin

The 40-acre site would have five central buildings, an internal courtyard, landscaped gardens and a vineyard, complementing the scenic surroundings.

The tourist flights offering joy rides in vintage biplanes would operate from 9am to 7pm, with owners anticipating 700 to 1000 flights annually – weather permitting.

The development includes noise mitigation measures such as controlling music levels and restricting aircraft run-ups to the southern central part of the runway.

Willunga families hope The Aviator can be a destination that celebrates “aviation, food, wine, family and the nostalgic beauty of the Fleurieu Peninsula”.

“We want to create something South Australia can be proud of,” co-founder Bonnie Cesco said.

“Something that honours aviation history, celebrates our region’s produce and landscape, and gives people the chance to feel the wonder that aeroplanes bring.”

“The Fleurieu deserves destinations with heart – and The Aviator is exactly that.”

Consultation closes January 5.

Originally published as The Aviator Precinct: Willunga families Cesco and Smith push ahead with ambitious Fleurieu aviation development