In a strategic move to bolster South Africa’s aviation sector, the Airports Company of South Africa Limited (ACSA) has announced a monumental investment of R21.7 billion earmarked for the comprehensive development of airport infrastructure across the nation. This substantial commitment is geared towards refurbishments, efficiency enhancements, and statutory compliance measures aimed at elevating asset availability, airport safety, and passenger experiences throughout South Africa’s airports.
Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga revealed the ambitious initiative during a recent media briefing on the state of the aviation sector. She underscored the significance of this investment, noting that it represents the largest capital expenditure program undertaken by ACSA since the preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Chikunga emphasized that this substantial investment will further solidify South Africa’s position as a leader in aviation on the African continent and globally. Over the next two years, ACSA’s development plans will focus on critical capacity expansion projects, particularly at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Gqeberha) and George Airport, aimed at enhancing terminal facilities to meet escalating demand.
The expansion initiative at George Airport will be fast-tracked due to the airport’s passenger throughput surpassing its pre-COVID-19 design capacity, with Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport to follow suit in the near future.
Furthermore, ACSA is poised to embark on the construction of a new cargo terminal, known as Mid-field Cargo, at O.R Tambo International Airport, prioritizing this project to meet burgeoning demand. Subsequent phases will include the development of a Mid-field Passenger Terminal to accommodate the airport’s growing passenger traffic.
At O.R Tambo International Airport, significant projects will include the extension of bussing gates and the addition of retail, seating, and holding lounge areas to enhance passenger comfort and convenience.
Cape Town International Airport will undergo a reconfiguration of its domestic arrivals terminal to address increasing capacity needs, including expansions to the meet and greet area, baggage claim area, and departure lounge, along with the addition of new contact gates and fixed boarding bridges.
Additionally, plans are underway for the realignment of the runway at Cape Town International Airport, signaling a significant infrastructure development to support future growth.
King Shaka International Airport will witness the addition of a hotel, while King Phalo Airport will focus on expanding the departure lounge, upgrading ablution facilities, and enhancing retail options to improve passenger experience.
Minister Chikunga reiterated ACSA’s commitment to continuously review and update the master plans of its airports to meet both current infrastructure demands and future requirements, thereby strengthening the foundation for a resilient air transport system crucial for South Africa’s economic development and growth.
In a parallel effort to bolster the aviation sector, the Air Traffic and Navigation Services SOC Limited (ATNS) has allocated R128 million for infrastructure upgrades in the 2022/23 fiscal year. This investment aims to ensure reliable and stable air traffic management infrastructure, contributing significantly to the nation’s aviation economy, which accounts for up to 3% of the national GDP.
Looking ahead, Minister Chikunga highlighted the necessity of additional investment, up to R155 million, in the coming fiscal year to modernize the Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN), further fortifying South Africa’s air traffic management infrastructure.
Innovations within the air cargo industry, including the adoption of eAirwaybill and advancements in real-time tracking systems, data analytics, automation, and artificial intelligence, are set to revolutionize operations, enhance efficiency, and optimize resource allocation. Minister Chikunga emphasized the importance of embracing digitalization to achieve greater transparency, cost savings, and an enhanced customer experience within the air cargo sector.
However, she also underscored the imperative of cybersecurity measures to safeguard the integrity, safety, and resilience of the aviation system, highlighting collaborative efforts to mitigate cyber threats across the sector.
In conclusion, Minister Chikunga emphasized that a robust air cargo system is essential for facilitating global trade, ensuring speed, efficiency, connectivity, supply chain resilience, economic growth, and the timely delivery of essential goods and services, underscoring the critical role of the aviation sector in South Africa’s broader economic landscape.
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