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 R7.7-billion expansion plans.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) spokesperson Collin Naidoo, speaking at Indaba 2015, said the developments are part of ACSA's new operating model, aimed at re-energising its business to keep improving SA's airports. The expansion is set to be completed over the next three years.

ACSA facilitates in excess of 38-million passengers through South Africa’s nine airports and with the 21-year-old company run by the Department of Transport, "ACSA is one of the better performing parastatals" said Naidoo.

When asked about the proposed expansions at Lanseria, SA's only privately owned international airport which is also set 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.

Naidoo said ACSA was good at maximising its knowledge and expertise to compete globally. Back in 2007 it secured its first international management contract with India to manage its Mumbai International Airport as well as facilitate a new airport terminal. The airport sees in excess of 28m passengers annually and with a 10% stake in the airport, ACSA is positioned to be at its helm for the next 25 years said Naidoo.

ACSA currently runs Brazil’s airport in Sao Paulo, which has also recently undergone an expansion with a new terminal, following the hosting of the world cup, the Pope's visit and the upcoming Olympics.

Two years ago ACSA signed a memorandum of understanding with Ghana Airports to manage its airports.

Naidoo said ACSA's "airlines to airport, business to business and city to city way of doing business" keeps the company accountable to its stakeholders, including government and "saves it from relying on handouts."

When it comes to growing connectivity on the smaller routes and hubs, Naidoo called Durban’s King Shaka airport a “beautiful benchmark for how you build an airport” saying ACSA had focused on creating and reaffirming links with Dubai, with Durban now being the hub for Emirates.

Naidoo also cited the successful bid to host the first World Routes conference in Africa, in Durban in September 2015 as example of how the company is working to establish and expose not only the city of Durban in South Africa, but also the continent to key airlines and aviation players within the industry.

News24.com