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Page 1 of 11
25 August 2020
No. 1127
DEV
Published biweekly – available by annual subscription only – www.mombergerairport.info
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Managing Editor / Publisher: Martin Lamprecht martin@mombergerairport.info
News Editor: Paul Ellis paul@mombergerairport.info – Founding Editor: Manfred Momberger
Momberger Airport Information by Air Trans Source Inc. – international news & data – published since 1973
AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT International News
Each issue of Airport Development focuses on a different region of the world, with global news at the end of this section. A list of
past focus regions published in recent years can be downloaded from the Bonus section in the subscriber pages of our website.
Focus Region: Africa – The South
CAMEROON
The objectives of a Transport Sector Development Project for Cameroon are to: Strengthen
transport planning; Improve transport efficiency and safety on the Babadjou - Bamenda section of the
Yaounde - Bamenda transport corridor; and Enhance safety and security at selected airports. This
project has four components: 1) The first component, Transport Planning and Capacity Building, aims at
strengthening the capacity of the public sector in the planning, development, management and
maintenance of transport infrastructure. It has the following subcomponents: (a) Training in transport
planning, including data collection and management of modelling tools; (b) Institutional strengthening
studies; (c) Preparation of the transport priority investment programme (TPIP); (d) Identification and
preparation of pilot transport infrastructure (PPP) projects; and (e) Development of a resilience and
climate change adaptation strategy for land transport. 2) The second component, Road Transport
Efficiency Improvement, is expected to reduce travel time between Babadjou and Bamenda by improving
physical and safety conditions on the most degraded section of the priority road corridor linking the
capital city of Yaoundé to Bamenda. 3) The third component, Air Transport Safety and Security
Improvement, focuses primarily on facilitating ICAO’s effective implementation (EI) rating
of Aerodrome and Ground Assistance (AGA) at project airports (Yaoundé, Douala, Garoua).
The project was approved in October 2016 and has a total project cost of USD 206.70 million. The
commitment amount of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development is USD 192 million,
and the closing date is 30 June 2022. -- Cameroon has 42 aerodromes of which ten have scheduled
traffic, three are international airports and five are major regional airports. The international airports are
Douala (Cameroon’s busiest airport), Yaoundé-Nsimelen, and Garoua, while the most important regional
airports are Maroua-Salak in the North, Ngaoundéré in Adamaoua province, Bertoua in the East,
Bafoussam in the West, and Bamenda in the Northwest. #1127.1
SÃO TOMÉ & PRINCIPE
The African Development Bank (AfDB) will donate EUR 12.46 million to finance the Energy
Transition and Institutional Support Programme (ETISP) in the Democratic Republic of São
Tomé and Príncipe. The five-year programme is expected to cost around EUR 13 million, of which EUR
550,462 has been provided by the Santomean government to promote green growth and sustainable
development of the country’s electrical network. The funds will also be used to strengthen the
management of public finances and the local business climate. The donation was approved by the Board
of Directors of the African Development Fund (ADF), the concessional financing window of the AfDB
Group. According to the AfDB, the programme has three components: Directing the energy transition
towards renewable energy; providing institutional support while strengthening financial governance and
the business climate; Supporting the government in implementing the programme and building
institutional capacity.
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The ETISP’s priorities will be to finance urgent work and to bolster the network of existing thermal power
stations. The programme will also support the implementation of an energy efficiency programme,
improve airport equipment to increase exports, develop essential computer systems for public
finance management, and strengthen institutional capacities in environmental and social management as
well as gender equality. The implementation of this programme is likely to result in higher production
capacity based on the development of renewable energy sources and greater availability of existing
installed capacity. This will give people better access to energy, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions,
and better technical and financial viability of the sector. The program will also improve the reliability of
the electricity supply and increase the country’s export capacity. #1127.2
EQUATORIAL GUINEA
Turkish Airlines continues to expand its flight network with the launch of operations to
Malabo, making the capital of Equatorial Guinea its 319th destination. As the 60th destination of the
global carrier in Africa, flights to Malabo will be operated on the Istanbul – Port Harcourt – Malabo –
Istanbul route with Boeing 737-900 aircraft. Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive
Committee, M. İlker Aycı, stated: “A new era has begun in Turkish aviation and tourism sector with
Istanbul Airport. Our new and improved operation hub offers us an unparalleled performance advantage
when it comes to enhancing our flight network. Today, in line with our continuing growth strategy, we
are happy to announce the addition of Malabo to the ever-expanding flight network of Turkish Airlines.
We firmly believe that our new route will further enhance the relations between Turkey and Equatorial
Guinea in all areas.”
Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea, is the second largest city of the country. Apart from being an
oil-rich city, it is also at the forefront with tourism activities. With its natural wonders, rich world cuisine,
and historical architecture, Malabo is one of the most prominent destinations in Africa. Travellers
who wish to experience the exotic atmosphere of Malabo, the oldest city of Equatorial Guinea, will be
able to fly to this great destination with Turkish Airlines. #1127.3
GABON
The New Libreville International Airport is the proposed new development to replace the
city’s existing ‘Léon Mba International Airport’. To be developed at a location approximately 50 km
north of the current Libreville Airport, the new facility will feature a 19,000-m² terminal capable of
handling approximately 3.75 million passengers annually and a 3,300-m runway. France’s ADPi was
commissioned to develop the design concept and master plan. Construction was expected to start after
2020. #1127.4
ANGOLA
The New Luanda Airport is a development project being constructed on the outskirts of
Luanda Province. It is also known as Angola International Airport and has been under
construction since 2008. The greenfield project will be constructed on a 1,324-hectare site, 40 km
from Luanda and will feature two runways capable of handling A380 aircraft and 13 million passengers
per annum. The opening was scheduled for 2015/2016 but was delayed several times. It will act as an
alternative to the existing ‘Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport’.
The airport project represents one of the many frustrations of Angolans with China’s
presence, since the Chinese company that managed and funded the project has come under
scrutiny for its past misdealings. The firm, known as China International Fund (CIF), led a
consortium of Chinese companies, in conjunction with Brazilian conglomerate Odebrecht to build the
international airport, which was designed with 12 gates to accommodate 13 million travellers annually.
The airport was billed by the Angolan government to be a major hub for sub-Saharan Africa, and a rival
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to South Africa’s O.R. Tambo International Airport, near Johannesburg, which saw 21.7 million
passengers in 2019. Construction delays and an outdated design eventually forced the Angolan
government under President João Lourenço - who took office in 2017 after being handpicked by his
predecessor José Eduardo dos Santos - to cancel the contract with CIF in February 2019, citing non-
performance.
According to U.S. government data, construction was about 60% complete as of August 2019, including
runways that measure 4,200 m and 3,800 m. But costs have ballooned. “Initially, the project was
budgeted at USD 300 million, but it rose to USD 9 billion. And there is no end in sight,” Angolan reporter
Rafael Marques said in a recent interview with German public broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW). Another
Chinese company, the state-run Aviation Industry Corp. of China (AVIC), has taken over the project.
Angola’s Transport Minister Ricardo de Abrea says the airport is now slated to be completed in 2023,
according to local daily Journal de Angola. Marques said the project shows how China has left the country
indebted. “When we look at what has been built so far, it is a project that was made to loot the loans
that China granted to Angola for national reconstruction,” he said to DW. “It is a never-ending
construction project that, at this point, does not make much sense and leaves the Angolan state highly
indebted.” ´
China has offered more than USD 60 billion in loans to Angola since the two countries
established diplomatic ties in 1983, according to Chinese government sources - focused on an
opportunity to provide the South African nation with funds to rebuild roads, schools, and hospitals
following a long civil war that ended in 2002. Angola’s Minister of Energy & Water, Joao Baptista
Borges, told Japanese media Nikkei in December 2018 that China holds nearly 70% of the nation’s
external debt.
There has been widespread resentment against China’s presence in Angola. According to a July
2015 Reuters report, Angolans were angry that many local sectors were dominated by Chinese
companies. Some 50 state-run and 400 private companies from China were operating in Angola at the
time. Many are also displeased at their government for selling the majority of the country’s oil to China as
repayment for Chinese loans - meaning that the money from oil doesn’t enter Angola’s economy. Angola
is the second-largest oil producer in Africa. In 2017, out of a total value of USD 31 billion in Angolan oil
exports, it exported 62% to China, according to data from the Central Bank of Angola. Thus, Angola
remains a poor country despite its oil resources.
Government corruption has plagued the nation, which won independence from Portuguese
rule in 1975. In a 2019 study of infrastructure development in the country, Alves da Rocha, Director of
the Angolan Catholic University’s Centre for Scientific Studies and Research, estimates that Angola has
lost about USD 20 billion due to corruption in the construction sector alone. The U.S.–China Economic
and Security Review Commission (USCC), in a 2009 research paper, detailed how much of China’s
financing for oil and infrastructure projects in Angola are funnelled through 88 Queensway Group, a
nickname given to a large number of Chinese firms operating in Angola that all register the same Hong
Kong address as their headquarters. Within the 88 Group, two companies are in charge of investments:
CIF and China Sonangol International Holding - a joint venture between another Chinese company in the
88 Group and Angolan state-owned oil company Sonangol. USCC concluded that several key personnel at
88 Group had ties to Chinese state-owned companies, including oil giant Sinopec. The report also traced
some personnel to China’s Ministries of Public Security and State Security, the latter being the country’s
chief foreign intelligence agency. Posing as private Chinese firms, the companies essentially acted as a
front for the Chinese regime. “CIF loans are administered by Angola’s reconstruction office, Gabinete de
Reconstrução Nacional (GRN), and governed with little transparency,” the paper stated. #1127.5
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NAMIBIA
Authorities in China will screen and recommend a shortlist of Chinese companies operating
in Namibia for the much-anticipated upgrading and expansion of Windhoek’s ‘Hosea Kutako
International Airport’. This was confirmed by the Chinese Embassy. The final winner shall be selected
through the bidding process managed by the Namibian authorities in accordance with Namibian domestic
laws. The Chinese Embassy in Namibia neither gets involved nor interferes in the selection process.
President Hage Geingob initially cancelled the awarding of the airport upgrading tender late in 2015 after
the cost of the project was inflated from NAD 3 billion to NAD 7 billion through suspected dubious
manipulations. The cancellation was challenged in the High Court, where the Government first lost that
case before the Supreme Court subsequently overturned the decision. Finally, the Chinese side agreed to
finance the massive upgrading and expansion project.
The terms of the financing package, which consists of a concessional loan and a grant, are quite
favourable to Namibia, reflecting the special relationship between the two countries. The scope of the
project has been finalized and the other details on how to implement are still in discussion between the
line ministries of the two governments. The press recently reported that Finance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi
was expected to finalize the loan agreement with China for the project after the Asian giant gave the go-
ahead for a ‘special financial package’. -- Finalizing the loan facility for the airport expansion is one of the
priority projects that Shiimi has to deal with as outlined in his targets set by President Geingob. Funding
for the airport upgrade to international standards forms part of the USD 60 billion in new
development financing for Africa pledged by Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in 2018.
#1127.6
The NAD 250 million construction project to alleviate congestion at the terminal and apron
of ‘Hosea Kutako Airport’ within the short-term was expected to be completed by September
2020. This was confirmed by Namibia Airports Company (NAC) chairperson, Leake Hangala, during a
media briefing at the airport. Hangala explained that the project, funded by the Ministry of Works &
Transport to the tune of NAD 155 million and an additional NAD 95 million from NAC’s own coffers, also
aims at doubling the handling capacity of the airport to increased passenger movements up until 2030.
Hangala added that in order to address inefficiencies and ineffectiveness of NAC’s existing organizational
structure in propelling the company to deliver on its mandate, a new structure for top and middle
management has been developed and approved.
NAC has been tasked to develop and manage Namibia’s aerodromes in line with national and
international civil aviation regulations. Said Hangala: “Given the significant and critical role played by
airports, and invariably the NAC in the Namibian economy, in developing and promoting economic
growth, we have the very important task and mandate to ensure that the organizational strategies are
streamlined to promote trade and investment; travel and tourism and to meet the objectives outlined in
the National Development Plan 5, Harambee Prosperity Plan, with the view to position Namibia as a
logistic hub and to ultimately contribute towards improving the livelihood of each and every Namibian
citizen.” While admitting that the NAC has been a source of concern to Government and the public,
Hangala stated that NAC’s performance has significantly changed over the last 12 months. The
organization is stabilizing and concerted actions have been undertaken to improve service delivery; to
ensure continuous engagement with our stakeholders internally and externally in improving service
delivery and to ensure that the company fully complies with all laws, rules and regulations that governs
its operations. More, improved financial management systems and processes are in place to ensure that
the organization meets its operational expenditure within its operational income and that the organization
is dedicated to ensure that its employees live up to its core values to restore its brand value and
confidence of all our stakeholders,” Hangala added. He added that to ensure NAC manages airports on
sound business principles and with due consideration of all stakeholders, it is imperative that the
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company continues to adhere to the national and international civil aviation regulations. NAC has also
prioritized the development of a five-year strategic plan that it envisages to have in place by April 2020.
NOTE: Because of the corona crisis affecting air travel worldwide, there are no flights at Windhoek
Airport at present. #1127.7
Airports Company Chief Executive Officer Bisey Uirab hand-picked a company to study the
long-term renovation of ‘Hosea Kutako International Airport’. That renovation is linked to the
NAD 7 billion airport upgrade tender that was cancelled by President Hage Geingob four years ago for
alleged corruption and kickbacks. The proposed changes are not linked to the NAD 250 million upgrades
which began in mid-2019. Even though the cost of the long-term upgrades is estimated to be around
NAD 4 billion, the latest tender process appears to kick off on the wrong foot, like the previous one.
/Uirab wrote to Finance Minister Calle Schlettwein, informing him that they had hand-picked a company –
without advertising – as a consultant to carry out the airport’s renovation feasibility study. These are the
same consultants who worked on the on-going NAD 250 million short-term upgrades to the airport. “NAC
went on to appoint the consultants currently engaged with the Hosea Kutako congestion alleviation
project, led by Lithon Consulting Engineers,” Uirab said, adding: “This was done after a 6 August 2019
meeting between Finance, Transport and NAC officials.” -- NAC officials have over the years used
urgency to push through dubious tenders, including the NAD 250 million airport tender in
which companies were hand-picked. #1127.8
The Tsumeb Town Council has handed over a site to South African investor MKP to build an
international airport and a university. According to Tsumeb's Mayor, the long-awaited development
will create jobs and boost the town's economy upon completion. #1127.9
SOUTH AFRICA
While international passenger flights remained prohibited, with the exception of those
authorized by the Transport Minister, seven more airports were set to resume operations. At
an aviation industry briefing, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said in addition to the airports (OR Tambo,
Lanseria, Cape Town International, and King Shaka International) that are currently operational, the
following would open on 1 July: Bram Fischer International, Kruger Mpumalanga International,
Pietermaritzburg Airport, Port Elizabeth International, Richardsbay Airport, Skukuza Airport, and Upington
International. “As more airports are opened, this will naturally increase the number of passengers at
airports and, therefore, measures have been put in place to ensure that passengers are prepared for
their experience at the airports to avoid congestion, mainly at security check points,” said Mbalula, noting
that operations will have to be managed properly from 1 July. The Minister said to date the South African
Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has received about 117 standard operating procedures (SOPs) from
industry and more than 87 have been approved. While sanitizers are classified as dangerous goods, the
SACAA has made provision for the carrying sanitizers in limited quantities as a safety measure and in
compliance with existing regulations to prevent the spread of the corona virus.
For the smoother facilitation of passengers at airports, operators have urged the flying community to
arrive at least two hours early to allow for sufficient time to process passengers, while adhering to the
screening requirements – as per the regulations. In addition, SACAA has also reviewed its earlier decision
of ‘no catering’ on board aircraft by permitting airlines to provide pre-packed meals, which must be
placed in front of the seat for each passenger before passengers board the aircraft. This will allow for
minimized movement during flights. Mbalula said the decision to open more airports was one made after
the Government had conducted inspections at the airports and was satisfied with the developments.
General aviation is permitted for the following purposes: Approved regional re-positioning flights for all
South African and foreign registered aircraft into and from South Africa for return after maintenance and
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repair, to perform maintenance and repair, or to continue with contractual work within South Africa or
foreign countries within the region; Exchanging of crew members operating in foreign countries as and
when required; Transporting of aviation technicians, mechanics and engineers internationally for essential
support and assistance to aircraft; Proficiency flights – provided that the flight is authorized by the SACAA
and remains within the general flying area, airfield or airport boundaries, and recreational aviation is
permitted for proficiency flights under th4e same conditions. #1127.10
The Gauteng Provincial Government has unveiled a new USD 30.7 billion development plan
for the province over the next decade. The documents show that the construction will be
implemented along five development corridors that have distinct industries and different
comparative advantages. These corridors are: The Central Development Corridor, anchored on the
city of Johannesburg as the hub of finance, services, information and communication technology, and
pharmaceutical industries; the Eastern Development Corridor, built around the economy of the Ekurhuleni
metro as the hub of manufacturing, logistics and transport industries; the Northern Development
Corridor, anchored on Tshwane as the administrative capital city and the hub of the automotive sector,
research, development, innovation and the knowledge-based economy; the Western Corridor,
encompassing the economy of the West Rand district and the creation of new industries, new economic
nodes and new cities. The Southern Corridor, encompassing the economy of the Sedibeng district and the
creation of new industries, new economic nodes and new cities. “In the centre and in all four corners of
the province, the development of economic corridors was under way,” the authors state. “This
monumental strategy had forever altered the sole reliance on a skewed capital-intensive productive base,
dominated as it had been by large enterprises principally operating in only three of Gauteng’s metro
areas.”
The Northern Development Corridor will unlock over USD 3.7 billion in investment which will go towards
the development of a new high-tech special economic zone and automotive special economic zone; the
development of the Rosslyn Auto City; the continued development of Menlyn Maine; Consolidating and
regenerating existing areas (CBD, Centurion and Silverton); and revitalizing infrastructure in townships to
create economic opportunities.
The Eastern Development Corridor will unlock over USD 12.3 billion worth of investment which will go
towards the construction of the new OR Tambo University of Science and Innovation; the development of
the OR-Tambo logistics gateway; the Prasa-Gibela rail manufacturing hub in Nigel; the expansion of
the OR Tambo International Airport (JNB); the development of new industrial development zone for
jewelry manufacturing; the development of new agro-processing and fuel-cell technology; and Major
Private Sector developments taking place along R21 highway.
The Central Development Corridor will unlock over USD 12.3 billion in investments for the revitalization of
the Joburg inner-city; the development of new mega-projects in the south from Soweto to Orange Farm;
and the revitalization of townships.
The Western Development Corridor will unlock over USD 1.5 billion worth of investment that will go
towards the expansion of Lanseria Airport (HLA) and new Lanseria Smart City development; the
expansion of the Busmark bus manufacturing plant; and the development of the Agro-processing Mega
Park & Logistics Hub on the N12 highway and other private sector mega projects.
The Southern Development Corridor will unlock over USD 1.2 billion investment which will go towards the
new Savannah City development; the development of the Vaal River City and the Vaal University Village
precinct; the development of a cargo airport and logistics hub; and the development of Vaal
Marina and logistics, plus mining investments in Lesedi. #1127.11
Durban’s King Shaka International Airport (DUR) has retained its position as the fastest
growing international airport in South Africa, according to officials at the Airports Company of
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South Africa (ACSA) and Dube TradePort. Overall, the airport grew by around 6.5% in 2019 over 2018
and surpassed the 6 million passenger mark for the first time, handling just over 6.26 million passengers.
The airport was boosted by growing passenger numbers on both the domestic and international side,
with December being a bumper month showing double-digit overall growth. King Shaka International
Airport, which is at the heart of the Dube TradePort SEZ, north of Durban.
It was a record year on the international front for the airport, with more than 400,000 international
passenger arrivals and departures in 2019 (+9.7%). The growth in international passengers comes on
the back of British Airways launching a three times weekly direct route between London and Durban in
late 2018. Dubai-based Emirates, which has been operating a daily flight to the airport since it opened in
2010, operated a second flight on the route between late June and August 2019. While King Shaka
International showed noteworthy growth in the face of SA’s flagging economy, passenger growth slowed
at ACSA’s larger OR Tambo International (JNB) and Cape Town International (CPT) in 2019. OR Tambo
grew overall passenger numbers by 2.2% (to just below 21.7 million), while Cape Town saw around 2%
growth (just below 11 million). Domestic passenger growth supported this growth at both airports.
International passenger growth was flat. ACSA’s fastest growing airport overall was East London
Airport (up more than 13%), but the Eastern Cape airport does not handle international
passengers.
Commenting on King Shaka International’s performance, Hamish Erskine, CEO of Dube TradePort Special
Economic Zone (SEZ), said that 2019 was another milestone year of strong growth for the airport.
Erskine, who is also co-chair of the Durban Direct route development initiative, added: “It’s a great
achievement, especially considering that South Africa’s economic growth is below 1% currently. King
Shaka International’s growth is particularly encouraging as it places the airport and adjoining Dube
TradePort SEZ in a good position for greater growth when the country’s economy picks up.” He noted
that the growth on the international passenger side is a direct result of intensive collaboration as part of
the Durban Direct initiative, which includes airline partners, ACSA, tourism authorities, provincial and local
government, and other stakeholders. “Since establishing this route development programme in August
2014, we have successfully secured six new routes. Durban is now connected to a network of over 700
destinations around the world through its current airline partners operating from King Shaka
International,” he said. “These include Emirates, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Air
Mauritius, and Air Namibia among others.” Qatar Airways also increased capacity on its service by putting
a bigger A350 aircraft on their route.” Meanwhile, Colin Naidoo, Communications and Corporate Affairs
Manager for ACSA at King Shaka International, says that despite SAA cancelling several flights to Durban
(and other routes as part of its restructured flight schedule) this capacity will be taken up by other
domestic airlines.
King Shaka International Airport's air cargo traffic witnessed a 47% growth for the 2019
calendar year. Following the increased capacity in Durban's airfreight market as British
Airways operated three flights a week to London and Qatar Airways introducing a larger A350 on the
Durban-Doha route, as well as Emirates introducing an additional four flights a week from mid-June to
early August 2019 in response to the growing, passenger demand for travel during this period. #1127.12
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) was set to receive an estimated ZAR 7.5 billion
capital investment over the next five years. By 2024, CPT was expected to boast a new,
realigned runway, as well as revamped domestic and international terminals, says Airports
Company South Africa (ACSA) Corporate Affairs Senior Manager Deidre Davids. The airport’s current
primary runway is too close to the terminal buildings. By realigning and moving it, space for the future
eastward expansion of the terminals will be available. The realigned primary runway will be 3,500 m in
length and will be built to international Code F specifications for larger aircraft. Parallel and rapid exit
taxiways will also be added. The project to realign the runway will cost in the region of ZAR 3.8 billion.
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The highlight of the new domestic arrivals terminal expansion will be an express exit route available to
passengers who only have ‘carry on’ luggage and do not need to collect bags, says Davids. The
development will also see the size of the baggage hall increase significantly to accommodate additional
baggage collection carousels. A reconfigured layout will see a new, bigger meet-and-greet area. The
current retail area will also be expanded. This project will take about 2.5 years to construct and
commission. The cost of the project will be about ZAR 688 million, with construction planned to start
early in 2020. Construction on the project will take about 30 months.
The 71% increase in passengers through the international terminal over the last five years means that
this facility will soon reach capacity. If all goes according to plan, construction on the new international
terminal could be completed in December 2023. The cost of the project will be an estimated ZAR 2.8
billion. A professional team has been appointed to work on the tender documentation. The project will
see the expansion of the check-in area for international passengers, as well as the addition of two
baggage collection carousels. There will also be a reconfiguration of the security, customs, passport
control and arrivals meet-and-greet areas.
The upcoming expansion programme is linked directly to facilitating the current and future growth of the
Western Cape’s main airport. “It is important that the airport is able to meet growing passenger and
cargo demand. The new runway and associated infrastructure will facilitate greater air access into Cape
Town and the Western Cape and will enable growth of passenger and cargo traffic that is essential for
tourism and economic activity,” Davids said.
CPT has seen strong growth over the last three years, with total passengers using the airport increasing
from 8.4 million in the 2013/14 financial year to 10.8 million in the 2018/19 financial year. International
passengers making use of the airport have increased from 1.4 million in 2013/14 to 2.4 million in the
2018/19 financial year – a 71% increase.
The growth in passenger numbers can be attributed to the Air Access initiative, notes Davids.
This initiative is aimed at retaining the current airline base and attracting new airlines. “Since its
inception, we have seen 15 new routes and 19 route expansions to and from the airport.” Cape Town
was lately linked directly to cities and countries such as Singapore, Switzerland, Vienna and Hong Kong. A
direct flight to New York was added by United Airlines. -- CPT has been named Africa’s leading airport for
three years running by the World Travel Awards, as well as the best airport in Africa for four years
running by Skytrax. #1127.13
South Africa’s fourth busiest airport, Lanseria International (HLA) in western Johannesburg,
is planning further infrastructure expansions, following the completion of a new ZAR 210
million, 1,000-bay, multi-storey parkade. With the privately-owned facility set to hit the 3 million
annual passenger capacity mark within the next 18 months, Lanseria International Airport CEO Rampa
Rammopo says it is looking to invest some ZAR 2 billion to double its capacity to 6 million
passengers by 2028. He says the masterplan includes establishing an “airport city” around Lanseria,
that will include hotels and offices as well as a connection to the Gautrain network as part of its future
expansion via Fourways. “This project is part of a much larger strategic commitment we are making to
develop world-class infrastructure around the airport. We are looking to invest around ZAR 1 billion as
part of our current three- to five-year expansion plan that will see the airport increase capacity from 3
million to 4.5 million passengers annually. In addition to the new parkade, we are currently investing
around ZAR 100 million in upgrading the terminal building and are planning our first hotel within the
airport precinct,” he adds. #1127.14
The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) is working on an application for a full-scale
feasibility study into the development of a new airport in Port Elizabeth, in close co-operation
with the Department of Trade & Industry. The Nelson Mandela Bay metropolitan municipality had
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announced plans to relocate Port Elizabeth Airport to the Coega Special Economic Zone. CDC's head of
Marketing, Brand & Communications, Ayanda Vilakazi, said the city’s proposal forms part of its spatial
development plans to free up land for human settlements. “Development of an airport at the Coega SEZ
has formed part of the Coega development corporation’s master development plan since inception and
plans are at an advanced stage,” Vilakazi said. The CDC’s plan for the development of an airport at the
SEZ was presented to, and approved by, the City Council in 2018, with the CDC having since attended to
technical aspects of the proposed airport development and completed a pre-feasibility study. #1127.15
A way forward for Wonderboom National Airport on either commercializing or selling it needs to be found
after a report submitted to the City of Tshwane Council has revealed the shocking state of the
airport, including allegations of ‘irregularities, maladministration and governance lapses’ at
the facility. The metro region has spent around ZAR 50 million on the maintenance of the airport but
just received about ZAR 20 million in revenue. A consultant, Ntiyiso Consulting, was expected to
develop the airport as an international gateway and take advantage of the opportunities to
expand the metro’s economy to a globally competitive metropolitan economy. Ntiyiso was
expected to carry out several tasks including diagnosing the problem, recommending and implementing
specific actions and/or projects including costs to reposition the airport “into a suitable world-class
airport”. Review and design plans were set to include technical, financial and legal framework; limitations
of a current feasibility study; alignment of the business case to the metro’s strategic plan; labour
relations issues; legislative framework and implications of the commercialization plan; capacity gaps and
current operational needs. The firm was also expected to draft a comprehensive business plan through,
among others, considering both internal and external factors with respect to the commercialization of the
airport, handle stakeholder management and fundraising. The firm was also expected to manage
the airport, handle procurement along with its transformation and implementation through
overseeing change management processes, project management support, contract
management and supervision along with monitoring and evaluating the overall
commercialization of the airport. The objectives set for the commercialization of the airport were to
eradicate subsidies; a five-year strategic plan and annual performance plan; long-term financial
sustainability and economic growth through a new economic hub.
The report was compiled by the City of Tshwane's oversight committee for roads and transport and was
tabled in the City Council on 31 October 2019. It includes allegations of embezzlement, non-compliance
with international and domestic aviation standards and states that Wonderboom "is an asset in serious
need of attention by an authority higher than the City". The committee has recommended a full forensic
investigation into the state of the airport. In its report submitted to the Council, the committee
concluded: "The status of the airport and findings of the committee as presented herein demonstrates an
urgent need for intervention and thorough investigations, to establish facts which resulted in the current
state of affairs". The airport has been besieged by problems, and lost its contract with SA Airlink in April
2018, because of "political instability in the Metro", according to the report. A fuel provision contract with
BP lapsed in December 2018 and a new fuel provision plan, approved in 2017, hasn't been implemented.
The committee found that the airport has deteriorated in the last two years especially. The committee
suspects embezzlement. -- The airport, operational since 1937, is supposed to open up the city to
international investment markets. #1127.16
BOTSWANA
Botswana is a beacon of success when it comes to economic and social management. The
country moved from being one of the poorest nations in the world in 1966 (the year it achieved
independence) to middle-income status by the 1990s, largely owed to its abundant mineral wealth.
Today, Botswana is stable. Its multi-party democratic system is sound, and GDP continues to rise with a
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4.5% growth rate having been recorded in 2018. Questions do, however, remain about the country’s
future, as the World Bank and the UN outline the need for it to diversify away from the limitations of its
diamond-led development model to ensure sustainability in the long term. Bolstering water security and
electricity generation, strengthening public-sector performance and improving transport are all elements
to this, the latter deemed particularly crucial in the eyes of Kabo Phutietsile, CEO of Civil Aviation
Authority Botswana (CAAB), given Botswana’s landlocked status. “Why is aviation such an exciting
industry to be involved in right now?” he states. “For me, its the role that it can play in upholding the
economy of any country. Research has shown that aviation brings enormous benefits to communities and
economic growth around the globe. It enables social development while providing connectivity and
access to markets. As a tourism destination, Botswana can and should tap into the opportunities provided
by aviation and its related activities.” Phutietsile is tasked with heading up the organization that can
provided an enabling environment for these economic opportunities to flourish. Established through the
Civil Aviation Authority Act of 2004, the regulator has been acting autonomously for more than a decade,
facilitating the development of air transport and air navigation services, and advising the national
government on all aerospace aspects.
Crucial to the success of aviation are airports. Six such transport hubs (four international
and two domestic) can be found within Botswana, accompanied by 19 airfields scattered
across the country that are typically used for medical rescues and landings in remote
tourism locations. “CAAB has a duty to ensure all airports and airfields in Botswana are in good and
usable conditions at all times,” Phutietsile explains. “As such, the Authority continuously carries out
maintenance services and upgrades of existing airports and airfields. During the period under review, we
carried out a number of maintenance services and development activities in all our major airports and
airfields.” Looking at Gaborone’s ‘Sir Seretse Khama International Airport’ (GBE), the country’s
largest transport hub, this is particularly prevalent, the authority having cultivated grand plans to
enhance its role by working closely with the Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA) to
deliver a masterplan for the airport’s extended development. Phutietsile explains: “The airport’s
Land Use Master Plan, which is a blueprint for the future development of the airport in the short to long
term, was approved by the Gaborone City Council Planning Board in June 2015. CAAB had planned to
appoint a transaction advisor to assist with the funding models for the development of the basic
infrastructure. However, the appointment of the transaction advisor was aborted following the
engagement of SEZA who had indicated that they were carrying out their own masterplan. This led to the
collaboration between both SEZA and CAAB in the development of the CAAB-affected land during the
April 2016 to March 2017 period. The discussions between CAAB and SEZA have since led to the signing
of a memorandum of understanding, whereby the two masterplans have been integrated.”
Kasane International Airport recently underwent expansion works to accommodate future
growth and increase flight capacity, providing improved connections to Chobe National Park
in particular – a key tourist destination. The runway length was upgraded to 3,000 m to facilitate
the landing of the Boeing 737 800 or equivalent class aircraft. The terminal building now has two
departure lounges, two arrival lounges, shops, restaurants, office spaces, and a management office.
Maun International Airport is also receiving works, CAAB is overseeing the construction of a new
terminal building that is slated for completion in mid-2020. These developments are set to be
critical in supporting the continued growth of key facets of Botswana’s economy such as tourism and
trade. CAAB is well on track to achieve its mission of becoming a world class provider of safe, secure,
sustainable aviation services. The organization has also begun to leverage the power of new
technologies, now running sophisticated air navigations services (ANS), bolstering the efficiency and
effectiveness of its air traffic, communications and aeronautical information services, as well as its search
and rescue efforts. #1127.17
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MOZAMBIQUE
The Government had launched an international public tender for the concession,
construction, and operation of commercial developments at the Maputo, Beira and Nacala
airports. According to the local newspaper Domingo, Maputo International Airport offers an opportunity
for a shopping centre, a petrol station, and business apartments. In Beira, the Government is looking for
an investor to build and operate a three-star hotel and a petrol station, while in Nacala, Government is
looking to build a hotel, shopping centre, and a renewable energy plant. The Ministry of Transport &
Communications has invited interested parties to express their interest to enter into partnerships for the
development and operation of hotels and leisure activities, business and entertainment centres, and
renewable energy sources. -- Maputo Airport is by far the largest in Mozambique, attracting 50% and
65% of total freight and passenger traffic (domestic, regional, international), respectively. Studies
conducted prior to the start of the project showed that the state of runways and lighting equipment are
indeed a safety issue. None of the runways comply with ICAO guidelines and require upgrades.
#1127.18
The Mozambican airport company (AdM) is currently making operational losses of USD 2.4
million a month because of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Transport Minister Janfar
Abdullai. The longer the crisis lasts, the heavier will be the company’s losses. Abdulai feared they could
reach USD 3.4 million a month.
Almost all international flights in and out of Mozambican airports have been suspended. The exception is
Ethiopian Airlines, which is still operating two flights a week between Maputo and Addis Ababa (before
the pandemic, these flights were daily). Mozambique Airlines (LAM) now flies only on domestic routes. --
Abdulai was speaking to reporters at Chonguene, in the southern province of Gaza, where a new
international airport is planned, thanks to funding from China. The airport is about 50% complete,
and construction work was scheduled to be finished by May 2021. But since most of the raw materials
have to be imported, this deadline is now under threat. Abdulai said everything is being done to avoid
complete paralysis of the work at Chonguene. The contractor has continued to work on the terminal
building, “which gives us a certain encouragement”, he added. Many of the Mozambican workers
recruited for the construction have been laid off, and just 23 are continuing to work. Abdulai said they
are living in isolation to avoid possible contamination. But the main problem for the Chonguene airport is
not when the terminal building will be completed. It is whether any air companies will want to fly there.
The main reason for foreigners to visit Gaza is tourism – the province contains wildlife reserves such as
the Limpopo and Banhine National Parks, and unspoilt beaches. But Covid-19 dealt a blow to tourism
across the globe. Even if the tourism lodges reopen in the not too distant future, the flow of tourists to
southern Mozambique is unlikely to reach its former levels for years, if ever.
An airport at Chonguene risks being an expensive white elephant, with the state-of-the-art facilities at a
modern terminal, but few flights. #1127.19
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