27 February 2015, Johannesburg – O.R. Tambo International Airport walked away with the title “African Airport of the year” at an awards ceremony held as part of Air Cargo Africa 2015 in Ekurhuleni yesterday evening.

The auspicious occasion, which was attended by the who’s who of the aviation cargo industry was held at Emperors Palace from 25-27 February 2015. O.R. Tambo Interntional Airport participated, together with other big players in the industry, varying from airports, cargo airlines, ground handlers and freight forwarders.

“We are especially proud as this is the second time in a row that our airport has been bestowed with this accolade,” said Ms Bongiwe Pityi, the General Manager of O.R. Tambo International Airport.

O.R. Tambo International first won the award at the second bi-ennial Air Cargo Africa instalment, held at Emperor’s Palace in 2013.

“Together with our excellent location, accessibility and connectivity, O.R. Tambo International also has great and reliable infrastructure. We also collaborate well with the relevant stakeholders to continue providing efficient service to our cargo customers,” added Pityi.

The African Airport of the year award comes hot on the heels of Airports Company South Africa’s signing of a cargo management cooperation agreement with Mitteldeutsche Airport Holding of Leipzig/Halle Airport. The agreement, signed at Air Cargo Afirca 2015 on 25 Februaury, will expand international air cargo market opportunities, elevating both airports’ status in the air transportation industry. The strategic partnership will involve the exchange of information and individual expertise along with cooperation in customer acquisition.

O.R. Tambo International Airport services over 50 airlines to approximately 100 destinations, locally, regionally and internationally. The airport is the largest cargo airport in Africa and boasting capacity of 390 000 tons per year.

Airports Company South Africa

Airports Company South Africa SOC Ltd is the largest airport authority in Africa. With a global footprint spanning three continents Airports Company South Africa provides a professional, world-class service for South Africa’s nine principle airports as well as airports in Mumbai, India and São Paulo, Brazil.

Airports Company South Africa’s airports are responsible for more than 80 percent of South Africa’s commercial air travel, managing over 35 million passengers per year.

In support of Airports Company South Africa’s significant investments in infrastructure, the company has implemented Airport Management Centres (AMCs) throughout its network. AMC’s focus is on improving all operational aspects of the mobility value chain.

For the last eight years Airports Company South Africa has managed and operated Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai. The airport processes 29 million passengers per annum and 340,000 tons of cargo. Airports Company South Africa has also developed, manages and operates Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo, Brazil. Guarulhos is the busiest international airport in Latin America, handling 28 million passengers and 358,000 tons of cargo per annum.

Further information:
Unathi Batyashe-Fillis
Group Spokesperson
Direct: +27 (0) 11 723 1410
Cell: +27 (0) 79 882 7307
Email: unathi.batyashe-fillis@airports.co.za