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Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System --------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 14 Mar 2007 Title: OR Tambo Airport to meet refurbishment deadline ahead of 2010 --------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- By David Masango, tel: (012) 314-2230 Johannesburg - The Oliver Tambo International Airport is on course to complete its crucial R3.5 billion infrastructure development, currently underway, ahead of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup South Africa. The infrastructure is required to accommodate the expected influx of passenger and aircraft traffic and to make operations at Africa's largest airport more efficient ahead of the soccer spectacular. Briefing the media on Wednesday on the latest developments at the airport, General Manager Chris Hlekane said passenger numbers increased from over 12 million to over 17 million between 2002 and 2006. Air traffic movement (ATM) increased from over 175 000 to more than 200 000 during the same period, he said. To ease pressure on the airport, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has embarked on a number of infrastructure development projects at the airport. These include the construction of the main central terminal building; the development of the international pier; a multi-storey car parkade; road infrastructure development and a link to the multi-billion Gautrain station, amongst others. On the security front, ACSA has upgraded technology to ensure improved efficiency and detection of security violations and follow ups to this. ACSA has also enhanced security by improving existing technology, lighting and procedures and has taken a pro-active approach against baggage theft. The airport has identified hot spots; appointed a baggage make-up manager and is also interacting with airlines and ground handlers to monitor and share information when cases of baggage theft occur. "The baggage make-up manager would amongst others, look at the risk of baggage theft; how frequently such cases occurred and then liaise with airliners to assist in finding ways to reduce such incidences," Mr Hlekane told BuaNews. Regarding aviation safety, Head of Security at the airport Jason Tshabalala said ACSA conducted criminal background checks of its employees. He explained however that once-off security checks were "not enough" to ensure passenger safety. "We felt that it was not enough to only do criminal background checks and that it might be necessary to also do a lifestyle audit [of staff]. We check who they interact and socialise with. "After a year we need to do a staff revamp (sic), especially at the aprons [loading zones]," explained Mr Tshabalala. An incident in January in which a Cameroonian national allegedly attempted to hijack a Johannesburg-bound Air Botswana flight, provided ACSA with an opportunity to test its readiness to deal with such situations. The man was later arrested on arrival at OR Tambo International Airport. "The incident provided a chance to test our preparedness to deal with acts of aggression," Mr Tshabalala said. - BuaNews |
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