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Acsa plans R7.7-bn overhaul for Cape Town International

11 May 2015

Cape Town International Airport is set for an overhaul with the upgrading of its domestic and international terminals planned for the airport, along with the realignment of its runway, forming the bulk of Airports Company South Africa’s R7.7bn expansion plans.

Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) spokesperson Collin Naidoo, speaking at the Indaba 2015 in Durban on Sunday, said the developments were part of Acsa's new operating model aimed at improving South Africa's airports. The expansion is set to be completed over the next three years.

The 21-year-old company is run by the Department of Transport and, says Naidoo, is "one of the better performing parastatals". More than 38-million passengers move through South Africa’s nine airports every year.

'Signs of growth'

When asked about the proposed expansions at Lanseria, South Africa's only privately owned international airport which plans to build a new airport terminal, Naidoo said Acsa did not see it as a threat but rather a sign of good growth for the country.

"This is both a challenge and an opportunity, seeing all the upgrades and growth at Lanseria is promising, it says good things about the area," said Naidoo.

Global operations

Acsa manages the Mumbai International Airport and is facilitating the development of a new airport terminal. The Indian airport sees more than 28-million passengers annually. Acasa has a 10% stake in the airport, and is positioned to be at its helm for the next 25 years, Naidoo said.

Acsa also runs Brazil's airport in Sao Paulo, which recently built a new terminal. Two years ago, Acsa signed a memorandum of understanding with Ghana Airports to manage its airports.

Naidoo said Acsa's way of doing business kept the company accountable to its stakeholders, including government, and saved it from "relying on handouts".

Source: News24Wire