News

For general enquiries please contact:

Tel: (011) 723 1400 or (011) 921 6262;

E-mail: customercare@airports.co.za

For media inquiries ONLY please contact Ernest Mulibana at:

E-mail: Ernest.Mulibana@airports.co.za or Mediadesk@airports.co.za

Tue 27 August 2024

ACSA terminates contract for Automated Border Control (ABC) E-gates and the single token

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has terminated the contract for Automated Border Control (ABC), e-Gates and single token project awarded to a French technology company, IDEMIA.

The contract termination is in line with the conditions of the Service Level Agreement which allows for a 60-day notice period, that will allow IDEMIA to conclude the work currently underway.

The biometric and digital identity technology project remains key to ACSA’s short-to-medium term strategy to ensure a seamless and efficient customer experience connecting passengers to their next destinations, opportunities, and goals. As such, the company intends to pursue the project in the near future.

ACSA remains committed to the best interests of good corporate governance, transparency, and fairness as we continue with an independent investigation.

For media enquiries:

Ernest Mulibana – 082 263 7372

Mediadesk@airports.co.za

Issued by Airports Company South Africa

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Stakeholders

Fri 16 August 2024

ACSA welcomes Gauteng Premier’s support on Infrastructure Development

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) welcomes Gauteng Premier, Mr. Panyaza Lesufi's support of the company's infrastructure development programme that will be rolled out across the network including O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) over the next four years.

Premier Lesufi delivered the 2024 State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Thursday 15 August 2024 in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni wherein he highlighted ACSA's intended capital investment programme aimed at positioning ORTIA as a gateway for economic development in the heart of the country's regional economic hub.

Earlier this year, ACSA announced R21.7 billion budget permission for an extensive capital expenditure programme to be implemented across the airport network. Part of the comprehensive infrastructure development plan focuses on air cargo, which undoubtedly has the potential to be a significant driver of socio-economic growth and development.

In this regard, ACSA aims to enhance its role in air cargo traffic growth in Africa with the construction of the Mid-Field Cargo Terminal at ORTIA, which will allow the airport to accommodate 750 000 metric tonnes of cargo annually. The new terminal is designed to ease congestion and expand warehouse space in the short and long term, making ORTIA globally competitive in air cargo facilitation.

ACSA welcomes Premier Lesufi's mention of Transnet's proposed construction of the PL6 Pipeline extending from Jameson Park in Heidelberg to ORTIA. The pipeline, which is vital for securing the airport's fuel supply, seeks to avert anticipated jet fuel shortages by 2028.

We particularly note with excitement news of the Gauteng Government's R120 billion investment in the expansion of Gautrain over a five-year period. The expansion into Soweto, Mamelodi, Atteridgeville, Lanseria, and Springs not only marks a significant milestone in extending the rail system's reach across the province but also for partners and stakeholders such as ACSA in making air travel even more accessible to residents. This expansion is congruent to our Passenger Experience and Mobilisation Strategy which seeks to make airports more accessible to the public including those in townships and rural areas.

The infrastructure development programme will create significant economic value for airport communities, enabling local trade, and attracting new high-value industries.

For media enquiries:

Ernest Mulibana – 082 263 7372

Senior Manager: Corporate Communications

Mediadesk@airports.co.za

Issued by Airports Company South Africa

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Business

Thu 8 August 2024

ACSA places the Chief Information Officer on precautionary suspension

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has placed the Chief Information Officer on precautionary suspension effective today, 8 August 2024.

On Saturday 3 August 2024, ACSA issued a media statement indicating that there were no allegation of irregularities regarding ACSA’s procurement processes in the current legal proceedings before the High Court. This was indeed true based on the information we had at the time and statements issued by those involved in the project.

We have since undertaken a preliminary investigation and have now found that there is prima facie evidence of wrongdoing in relation to the biometric and digital identity technology project. It is on this basis that the Chief Information Officer has been placed on a precautionary suspension. The precautionary suspension is to allow ACSA to conduct further investigation and report back to the public on our findings.

In May 2022, ACSA embarked on a procurement process for the Automated Border Control (ABC) project, e-Gates and single token for a period of 60 months. The process culminated in the appointment of a French multinational technology company, IDEMIA, and a contract to the value of R115 million was concluded.

The contract required that at least 30% of the value be subcontracted to a South African, black-owned Exempted Micro Enterprise (EME) and/or Qualified Small Enterprise (QSE). As such, the winning bidder had a teaming agreement with a local company called InfoVerge as its black-owned EME/QSE partner (B-BBEE partner) for purposes of complying with EME/QSE requirements in the RFP.

However, ACSA became aware of an impasse between the two business partners (IDEMIA and InfoVerge) and engaged both companies with a view to foster an amicable resolution in the interest of delivering on the contract. ACSA was satisfied that the two business partners would work together in the delivery of the required services.

Despite ACSA’s efforts, the two business partners could not reach an amicable resolution. This resulted in InfoVerge approaching the High Court Gauteng Local Division (High Court), seeking relief to set aside ACSA’s decision to award the tender for the provision of Automated Border Control project to IDEMIA. In the court papers, ACSA was cited as a second respondent.

ACSA is currently considering options in relation to the contract for the provision of the ABC project, e-Gates and single token that has been entered into with IDEMIA.

For media enquiries:

Ernest Mulibana – 082 263 7372

Mediadesk@airports.co.za

Issued by Airports Company South Africa

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Business

Sat 3 August 2024

ACSA responds to media reports on Biometric Movement Control System (BMCS)

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has noted media reports on the delays in processing passengers at King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) linking these to the biometric and digital identity technology.

ACSA would like to state that the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and the Border Management Agency (BMA) are implementing a Biometric Movement Control System (BMCS) at the immigration and emigration areas in three of ACSA’s airports. The system went live in 2022 at O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) and Cape Town International Airport.

We can confirm that the BMCS, which was introduced at KSIA in the last few weeks, has been experiencing post-implementation challenges, causing long queues in the immigration areas. The BMA’s technical team is working on improving the situation by, amongst others, increasing the bandwidth to ensure the system remains online and reducing the manual processing of passengers. ACSA and BMA apologise to passengers for the delays and inconvenience caused.

Furthermore, the media has been reporting on IDEMIA on behalf of BMA, which was already implementing the BMCS. It is public knowledge that ACSA published a Request For Proposal (RFP) for the Automated Border Control (ABC) project, e-Gates and single token for a period of 60 months as part of ACSA’s biometric and digital identity technology programme.

A year prior to the publishing of the RFP, ACSA engaged in industry research to develop specifications including BMA appointed French multinational technology company, IDEMIA. This exercise sought to understand the BMCS system and its functionality as it was the system which ACSA’s ABC eGates would have to integrate. This is a normal and acceptable practice, especially when an organisation intends to procure a system of this magnitude and technical complexity.

Having followed a prudent procurement process, the contract to the value of R115-million was awarded to IDEMIA. It required that at least 30% of the contract value be subcontracted to a South African, black-owned Exempted Micro Enterprise (EME) and/or Qualified Small Enterprise (QSE). As such, the winning bidder had a teaming agreement with a local company called InfoVerge as its black owned EME/QSE partner (B-BBEE partner) for purposes of complying with EME/QSE requirements in the RFP.

However, ACSA became aware of an impasse between the two business partners IDEMIA and InfoVerge and engaged both companies with a view to foster an amicable resolution and in the interest of delivering on the contract. ACSA was satisfied that the two business partners would work together in the delivery of the required services.

It is important to categorically state that the matter is a contractual dispute between InfoVerge and IDEMIA, and there is no allegation of irregularities regarding ACSA’s procurement processes in the current legal proceedings before the High Court.

ACSA can indicate that the allegations being made in the media are not true and will be tested in the court of law. The matter is sub judice, and ACSA is fully cooperating with the legal processes.

Further, as the matter relates to issues pertaining to B-BBEE, IDEMIA and InfoVerge are advised to refer the matter to the B-BBEE Commission, an entity within the administration of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), which is empowered to consider matters pertaining to B-BBEE Act. B-BBEE Commission | Department of Trade & Industry – Department of Trade and Industry Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Commission

Notwithstanding the current challenges, ACSA is excited about the prospects of the biometric and digital identity technology that is being procured. The technology will redefine the airport experience in South Africa and is expected to be rolled out across the ACSA airport network in 2026. It will streamline immigration processes, reduce transaction times, enhance security and passenger experience.

ACSA has finalised a future-proof technology solution, with the first phase set for delivery in November 2024. While the technology is still in the planning phases, we are confident that, once fully rolled out across the ACSA airport network, the BMCS system will facilitate seamless connections of passengers to their next destinations, opportunities, and goals.

For media enquiries:

Ernest Mulibana – 082 263 7372

Senior Manager: Corporate Communications

Mediadesk@airports.co.za

Issued by Airports Company South Africa

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Stakeholders

Sat 20 July 2024

ACSA upholds international security standards and respects Constitutional rights

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has noted online media reports on security screening and searching of passengers and appeals for cooperation with airport security personnel as they undertake this basic but essential part of aviation security.

As our airports across the network continue to experience a steady increase in passenger volumes, in the interest of keeping everyone safe, ACSA will continue to adhere to all internationally recognised standard operating procedures and comply with national aviation legislation and regulations that strive to ensure the security and safety of passengers.

Our security protocols include random physical searches that are performed for all passengers after a certain number of people have passed a security search point at the airport terminal. These standard practices are in line with the security manual of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Searches are designed to be conducted for all travellers, even when there is no trigger from the security checkpoint. As such, ACSA calls on all travellers to note that when being ushered through the screening process by airport security personnel, they may be required to remove any headgear including fixed religious and cultural headgear.

At all times, the physical searches will be conducted with due sensitivity to recognised religious and cultural practices. This includes providing an appropriate space to conduct a physical search, should the passenger so prefer.

ACSA acknowledges that physical searches may cause discomfort to our passengers, and in view of this, our security personnel have been instructed to ensure that all searches are conducted in a respectful and courteous manner.

“We would like to categorically state that ACSA does not have any policies or procedures that discriminate against any passengers or airport users on the basis of gender, race, cultural beliefs, religion, or place of origin," states General Mzwandile Petros, Group Executive for Enterprise Security.

“South Africa is a constitutional democracy that accords equal regard to all individuals regardless of their faith, race, gender, or cultural background. ACSA, as a state-owned company, subscribes to all principles as espoused in the Constitution, which ensure a free and equal society. Furthermore, we are always ready to observe and defend the rights of all persons at the facilities we manage,” he said.

We urge all airport users to report any incidents of unfair discrimination to the ACSA free call hotline number: 0800008080 or alternatively email us on acsa@thehotline.co.za

For media enquiries:

Ernest Mulibana – 082 263 7372

Mediadesk@airports.co.za

Issued by Airports Company South Africa

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Business, Passengers

Fri 19 July 2024

Airports Company South Africa Unaffected by global Microsoft outage

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is not affected by the reported global Microsoft outage linked to cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike that is impacting numerous organisations including some airlines around the world.

ACSA does not use CrowdStrike services. We want to assure all stakeholders and the public that the ACSA airport network remains unaffected by this outage with operations running as normal.

ACSA relies on cutting-edge, state-of-the-art cyber protection capabilities to ensure the security and continuity of operations. Our robust cybersecurity measures are designed to safeguard against a wide range of threats, ensuring seamless functioning of our critical infrastructure.

We remain committed to maintaining highest standards of

cybersecurity and operational excellence. Nevertheless, our airport management team continues to monitor the situation closely.

In view of the widespread impact of the global outage, we would like to encourage all travellers to contact their respective airlines for further flight information. Travellers are also encouraged to download the ACSA Mobile App and subscribe for LIVE flight

notifications.

For media enquiries:

Mediadesk@airports.co.za

Issued by Airports Company South Africa

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Business, Passengers

Fri 12 July 2024

Airports Company South Africa partners with South African National Deaf Association to empower front-line staff with Sign Language Training

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the South African National Deaf Association (SANDA), an independent non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the deaf community with equal opportunities and recognition in society. This collaboration underscores ACSA's commitment to supporting the disability sector in providing skills development and is one of the key focus areas underpinning our Socio-Economic Development (SED) strategy.

ACSA as an organ of the state and SOC under the Department of Transport should honor the declaration and agreement of the Ministers of Transport, and Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities which was taken at the Transport Summit on Universal Accessibility in Gauteng, 25-26 April 2024. One of the key priorities is providing an enabling environment that includes capacity development, awareness, education, and training programmes that include people with disabilities as educators and trainers. This will increase understanding and knowledge of universal design and universal access for government officials, role players, and stakeholders.

Furthermore, in line with ICAO regulation standard Annex 9: Facilitation of Passengers with Impaired Mobility, ACSA and SANDA have embarked on an important initiative to enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of our airports. As part of this partnership, SANDA will provide sign language training to 130 front-line staff across ACSA's network of airports.

The training kicked off with staff at O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) from Monday, July 8th, to Friday, July 12th. Today marked the certification handover ceremony, celebrating the successful completion of this initial basic sign language training phase.

This training is crucial for our employees, who interact daily with passengers of varying abilities, including those with hearing impairments, hence our partnership with SANDA. By equipping our staff with sign language skills, we aim to improve the travel experience for our passengers with impaired mobility, ensuring that they receive the same level of service and support as all our other travellers.

Most significantly, this initiative aligns with the recent recognition by the National Assembly on May 3, 2023, that declared Sign Language as the 12th official language of South Africa. ACSA is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all passengers feel acknowledged and supported.

"We are delighted to partner with SANDA in this ground-breaking project," said Ele Tshikovhi, Group Manager Transformation at ACSA.

"Providing front-line and/or customer-facing staff with sign language training not only enhances their skills but also reinforces our dedication to inclusivity and equal opportunities for all. Part of our medium- and long-term plan is to collaborate with all stakeholders within the airport eco-system and ensure staff who are customer-facing receive training on sign language. This initiative will make a significant difference in the lives of our passengers with hearing impairments, ensuring they have a seamless and supportive travel experience."

ACSA's collaboration with SANDA is a testament to our ongoing efforts to adhere to international standards while championing diversity, equity, and inclusivity initiatives. We look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on our staff and the broader society.

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Stakeholders

Wed 10 July 2024

ACSA’s Cape Town International Airport and O.R. Tambo International Airport rank amongst Top 10 Best Airports Globally

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is delighted to note that two of its major airports have made the top 10 list of the world's best airports according to AirHelp, which has released its 2024 score report ranking the world's best and worst airports.

According to the list, Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) secured second place this year, while O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) ranked fifth. The overall winner was Qatar's Hamad International Airport.

"We are thrilled to have two of our airports ranked among the top 10 in the world, and we are especially proud that CTIA took the runner-up spot among very fierce competition from some of the world's biggest and best airports," says ACSA CEO, Ms. Mpumi Mpofu.

"This recognition goes to show that our hard work is paying off as we endeavour to ensure that our airports offer among the best facilities in the world and that travellers can enjoy a seamless experience across our airport network."

AirHelp is a company that secures compensation for air travellers following delays and cancellations and creates its rankings partially based on the claims it processes globally. It relies on external sources for tracking on-time performance, customer feedback and the quality of food and shopping options at 239 airports across the world.

The rankings were compiled from 17 550 airport ratings collected by surveying passengers from 64 countries about their most recently used airports, between 1 May 2023 and 30 April 2024.

Mark Maclean, Regional General Manager (RGM) of Cape Town International Airport, says airport infrastructure is a key element to running an exceptional airport that distinguishes itself from others on the continent and the rest of the world.

"Infrastructure development is crucial. We've meticulously planned our airports, processes, and integrated innovative technology. Our infrastructure and systems must be purpose-fit, of impeccable standards, and fully supportive of our objectives."

However, the most important asset in operating an exceptional airport is its people, which means it is imperative to promote a culture of staff who are motivated and people-centric.

"Above all, exceptional airports are built by exceptional people. Fostering a culture where staff are motivated and customer-centric is key to an airport's success. Effective interaction, collaboration, empathy, and support are of utmost importance in our airport environment," says Maclean.

Taking the runner-up spot on AirHelp's list of best airports is an achievement that ACSA is extremely proud of. It shows that we are doing things right and motivates us to do even better. I would like to thank all our staff members and stakeholders for their hard work and dedication that resulted in this recognition.

Jabulani Khambule, RGM of O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA), says the backbone of the airport is made up of competent staff, competent partners such as state and law enforcement agencies, airlines, and ground-handling agencies.

Being ranked the fifth best airport in the world by AirHelp is a fantastic achievement and reflects the hard work and efforts of all staff and stakeholders involved in running ORTIA. We are very proud of this achievement and will continue to provide exceptional facilities and services to our passengers customers.

"Everything we do is about seamlessly connecting people to their next opportunity, so it is strategically important to ensure that our equipment and infrastructure is operating optimally to be able to deliver the level of service that we want,"

Khambule describes customer service as non-negotiable, with ORTIA having a very strong focus on customer satisfaction, which we achieve through operational efficiency.

"Those are the things that set us apart from other airports. We are a very focused and strategic airports management company, that is very clear about the things it must chase in order to remain the preferred destination." says Khambule.

Mpofu adds that ACSA is pleased with the effectiveness of its COVID-19 recovery strategy which has resulted in the growth of passenger volumes and aircraft movements that has, in some cases, even exceeded ACSA's projections.

"Despite the extreme challenges that we faced over the past few years, receiving this recognition highlights our collective ability to overcome adversity and uphold the operational excellence of ACSA," says Mpofu.

"These achievements mark a moment of immense pride for all of us. To each staff member, who tirelessly contributes to ensuring an outstanding airport experience for every passenger and user, a heartfelt congratulations is in order."

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Business

Mon 17 June 2024

ACSA confirms operational readiness ahead the arrival of heads of state at O.R. Tambo International Airport

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) can confirm its operational readiness in preparation for the arrival of foreign heads of state ahead of the Presidential Inauguration of the 7th Administration of the Republic of South Africa on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, at O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA).

ACSA can confirm at this stage that there are four confirmed arrivals out of the fourteen (14) invitees who confirmed their attendance at the inauguration and whose arrival in South Africa will be facilitated through ORTIA.

In line with ACSA's safety and security protocols and in collaboration with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the arriving heads of state will be met by the National Ceremonial Guard and will be accompanied by ceremonial dancers. A special facilitation gate that is used by heads of national government, foreign ministers, and guests of government arriving and departing on international flights has been allocated for the duration of the week.

"I can confirm that ACSA is ready to not only handle the pressure and logistics for the arrival of foreign heads of state to the country but also to ensure that all necessary security checks and measures are in place for the arrival of these dignitaries," says ACSA Regional General Manager Jabulani Khambule.

"A multi-stakeholder approach involving various law enforcement agencies has been put in place to activate the additional security measures required at the airport, as has been successfully implemented in the past whenever we've welcomed heads of state."

Travellers are advised that there will be limited access to the airport precinct due to several road closures and high police activity this week. Passengers and stakeholders are advised of the following complete/and or partial road closures that enclose the precinct from Tuesday, 18 June 2024 to 24:00 (midnight) on Saturday, 22 June 2024:

• Cargo Road

• Arrivals Road

To properly manage the flow of traffic, kindly note that vehicles on airport roadways will be diverted by the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department to the departures (upper) roadway as well as Parkade 2 South, Levels 2 and 3, for pick-up and drop-off purposes.

As a result, travellers are advised to factor in additional travelling time to ORTIA.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.

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Business, Passengers

Sat 8 June 2024

ACSA praises Hawks and Border Police for arrest of drug mule at Cape Town International Airport

8 June 2024

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) commends the actions of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) and Border Police that led to the arrest of a 70-year-old drug mule at Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) on Thursday (6 June 2024).

In an operation conducted by the Hawks' South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau team, in conjunction with Border Police based at CTIA, information was followed up that led to the search and arrest of the UK citizen who was about to depart South Africa.

A search uncovered about 4.1 kg of methamphetamine (Tik) with a value of approximately R600 000 in a hidden compartment in the man's suitcase. The suspect was arrested and detained at Ravensmead SAPS pending further investigation. He is expected to make his first appearance in Bellville Court on Monday, June 10. Mark Maclean, ACSA Regional General Manager, Cluster 2, praised the swift action of the Hawks and Border Police, which resulted in the apprehension of the alleged drug mule.

"ACSA would like to congratulate the law enforcement agencies involved in this operation and thank them for their ongoing work and dedication to stamping out the smuggling of illicit drugs across our borders," he says.

"We have a zero-tolerance approach to any criminal activity across our airport network in South Africa. This unwavering stance is integral to our mission of maintaining the highest safety and security standards. Our commitment involves rigorous security measures, continuous monitoring, and close collaboration with law enforcement agencies to prevent and address any threats. By prioritising safety and security, we aim to provide a secure and trustworthy environment for everyone who passes through our airports."

Maclean warns that ACSA views drug trafficking through its airports as an extremely serious offence and will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to stop any departing or arriving passengers who attempt to take illicit drugs through our airports.

"The arrest of this drug mule serves as a warning to potential offenders that they will be apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," he concludes

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Stakeholders