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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