ACSA has announced its readiness and plans to facilitate additional passenger numbers over the World Cup period.

Acsa says, to date projects at OR Tambo International, the key entry point, have been completed. At Cape Town International Airport the departures level is 80% complete. The reconfigured and upgraded access roads, multi-storey parkade and central terminal building will be completed this month. King Shaka International Airport will be operational on May 1.

Acsa also said that smaller airports were seen as an integral part of the overall aviation network.

“Many of them will also play a significant role during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. A runway revamp and terminal expansion at Bloemfontein International Airport are complete, the terminal upgrade and expansion at East London Airport are almost complete as are the terminal upgrades and expansions at Kimberley and Upington airports. A runway refurbishment at Port Elizabeth International Airport is also complete.”

Operational readiness

Acsa expects the ‘golden triangle’ routes, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, to be the busiest throughout the tournament. Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth airports are expected to be busy on match days.

To accommodate the additional traffic, Acsa is building temporary terminal buildings at these two airports.

However, Chris Hlekane GM OR Tambo International, said to complete the operational plan, finalisation of ticket sales indicating the volume of international spectator purchases, confirmation of accommodation by spectator groups and airline slot uptake for the period of the World Cup, was still required.

Fuel supply

The availability of fuel to meet the increased demand over the World Cup period is recognised as “critical” to the success of the tournament and has received priority attention. Acsa said the overall plan and contingencies had been presented to and approved by parliament.

“In light of the supply of liquid fuels being logistically complex, the Minister of Energy has made it the priority of a specially appointed task team.”

A daily plan for fuel usage and delivery has been developed specifically for the event.

Venue transport

With vehicle volumes accessing the airports expected to increase dramatically, plans are being finalised to put in place schedules and processes to manage the traffic. Pick-up and drop-off areas, with associated holding areas and dwell times, have been identified for public transport: buses, coaches, minibus taxis and the like.

A co-operative programme in partnership with each host city has been in place for some time to create a venue transport operations plan.

Airport staffing and customer service

OR Tambo, Cape Town, King Shaka, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth and George airports will operate on a 24-hour basis for the duration of the tournament, depending on daily demand.

Acsa said acceptance for the need to supply this level of support had been discussed with employees and unions and assurances had been given that the exceptional circumstances warranted the commitment of assured service provision. As such, Acsa is not expecting any labour unrest during the tournament.

The World Cup has provided the drive to institute an airport-wide staff training programme of unprecedented intensity and focus. While it has been designed to specifically provide an exceptional level of service for the tournament, Acsa believes its benefits will be recognised for years to come.