Latest news with #Acsa
The Herald
17 hours ago
- The Herald
Security changes at OR Tambo International Airport, passengers urged to arrive earlier
Changes have been implemented at security checkpoints at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport which caused long queues on Tuesday. The Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) confirmed "operational disruptions" and said it was working to restore normal service levels. In an update late on Tuesday afternoon, Acsa said: "Domestic operations have largely stabilised, while an incoming shift has been deployed to bolster capacity and assist international travellers. We anticipate full operational capacity will be restored by Wednesday morning. "Travellers are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours for international flights to allow adequate time for processing. " We encourage all passengers to proceed to the security screening areas immediately after check-in to avoid delays." Acsa, which did not explain what changes have been implemented, said it did not affect other airports. TimesLIVE
The Citizen
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Transport minister has big hopes for big plans
After almost a year as minister of transport, Barbara Creecy says her department is ready to tackle the challenges it faces. Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy addressing members of the media on the N12 Potchefstroom on 13 June 2025. Picture: Department of Transport Transport minister Barbara Creecy has big hopes for the department's big plans to get reforms going that will get South Africa back on track and grow the economy. Speaking at a PSG Think Big webinar, Creecy says South Africa's transport and logistics sector has long been recognised as a key obstacle to economic growth but promised that change is underway. She was discussing the future of South Africa's transport infrastructure and the role it plays in the country's economic recovery. Creecy says she spent the past 12 months in her role getting to grips with one of the most complex portfolios in government, overseeing 16 entities ranging from Transnet and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) to the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) and the Road Accident Fund (RAF). ALSO READ: New minister of transport's five targets a clear and encouraging vision Transport department's six targets for next 5 years To bring direction to this massive brief, Creecy and her department outlined six key targets to guide her current five-year term, including: Increasing freight volumes on Transnet's rail system from 149 million tonnes to 250 million tonnes per year restoring passenger journeys on Prasa to 600 million per year by 2030 (up from 77 million) boosting port productivity to the international benchmark of 30 gross crane moves per hour expanding Acsa's passenger footprint to 42 million and tripling air freight volumes to 1.2 million tonnes per year, and reduce road accidents and fatalities by 50%. 'We are making progress. It is hard work and it is very slow, but so far this year we managed to get the accident rate down by 9% and therefore, I am hopeful that this target is achievable by 2030.' ALSO READ: Government delivers R51 billion support to Transnet. Will it last? Transnet's poor financials thorn in transport department's side Despite signs of improvement, Creecy acknowledges that Transnet's poor financials remain a major concern. Moody's recently placed most of its ratings on review for downgrade, and therefore, government applied for an infrastructure injection via Treasury's budget facility, while also pursuing a broader programme of structural reform. 'There is a broader process of rail reform that is taking place in our country. In December and January this year, we issued a network statement that called for third-party participation in our freight sector. It is the first time this has ever happened in our country.' This reform is focused on repositioning Transnet as a state-owned infrastructure provider, allowing third-party freight operators to use the network. Creecy says Transnet Freight will still exist, but it will earn revenue from different freight operators operating on its network. She says private sector interest has been strong and her department was overwhelmed by the appetite. A recent RFI process attracted 11 000 site visits and 163 submissions. However, responsiveness will be critical given past failures in the procurement process. 'We have seen situations where the market did not find proposals put out by state-owned entities appetising and interesting.' Creecy makes it clear that this new approach to reform would be based on tight rules and governance and adds that B-BBEE, financial viability and ensuring projects reach financial close without overburdening the state will all be key to structuring future requests for proposals. ALSO READ: Outa calls for no fines during driver's licence backlog Time is not on the transport department's side Given that South Africa is 20 years behind its global peers in rail reform, Creecy admits that time is not on government's side. 'Right now, we must invest in the region of about R15 to R20 billion a year into the network if we want it to function effectively and if we want to be able to increase the number of train slots.' However, she says, the long-term potential still remains promising. The National Rail Master Plan, expected later this year, will outline a vision for modernising South Africa's rail network, including upgrades from the outdated Cape Gauge system and digitisation of controls. While this vision unfolds, Creecy says short-term gains are pursued in partnership with business and points out that this has already led to recent successes on the manganese line and she hopes to replicate them on the coal line this year. She also stresses the need to align transport reforms with South Africa's industrial strategy. Creecy says that beyond local gains, South African transport expertise could become a future export. 'This revitalisation of rail is something that other countries in the subcontinent are already involved in. 'It is very important that we have that long-term perspective about where we would want to go with the future of the entity and the way it could support broader economic development in our country.'
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Acsa ramps up national airport infrastructure upgrades and capacity projects
Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has launched a comprehensive infrastructure maintenance and capital investment programme across its entire airport network, aimed at enhancing operational reliability, improving the passenger experience, and future-proofing South Africa's aviation hubs. The company is rolling out maintenance and refurbishment projects at all nine of its airports, including upgrades to critical services such as ablution facilities, sewerage systems, fire escapes, and safety protocols in high-traffic areas. OR Tambo leads with passenger facility upgrades At OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA), one of the flagship initiatives underway is the phased refurbishment of ablution facilities. The work, covering male, female, baby-change, and accessible amenities, began in December 2024 and is scheduled for completion by December 2025. Speaking at a stakeholder meeting with airline representatives on Thursday, 19 June, chief executive officer, Mpumi Mpofu, says many of the current projects are scheduled for completion between late 2025 and 2027, forming part of a sustained commitment to the industry's long-term operational capacity. "This programme is a strong signal of Acsa's recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic," says Mpofu. "It reflects our return to financial sustainability and our ability to reinvest in critical infrastructure that will serve the aviation industry and the broader economy for years to come." Major refurbishment and expansion priorities Alongside maintenance work, ACSA is advancing several major capacity and infrastructure enhancement projects across key operational systems. These include: • Jet fuel infrastructure at ORTIA: The installation of a new 20-inch jet fuel feeder line and implementation of Jet Fuel Redundancy Phase 1 to improve reliability and fuel supply security. Backup power generators at the airport are also being replaced. • Passenger loading bridges (PLBs): Structural repairs, system upgrades and canopy refurbishments on loading bridges, with project milestones expected between November 2025 and 2026. • Uninterrupted power supply (UPS): A phased replacement of UPS units at critical operational points, scheduled for completion in 2026. • People movers: Replacement and refurbishment of escalators and lifts to address operational inefficiencies. Several escalator upgrades are already complete, with the programme running through 2027. • Instrument landing and weather systems: Replacement of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and Automated Weather Observation Systems (AWOS) to enhance aviation safety and operational compliance, with completion targeted for the end of 2026. • Terminal and roofing works: HVAC system upgrades, roof waterproofing, sprinkler replacements and airside infrastructure improvements to enhance safety and passenger comfort. • Fuel systems and fire infrastructure: Extensive refurbishment of fuel meters, hydrants, and booster pumps to strengthen fire safety and fuel distribution reliability. Coordinating with industry stakeholders Acsa is engaging closely with government, airlines, and commercial partners to ensure efficient delivery of these infrastructure projects while minimising operational disruptions for travellers. The programme marks a notable investment phase for Acsa as it focuses on enhancing operational resilience and preparing its airports for increased demand and future growth. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
IOL News
05-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Court ruling secures baggage screening units for passengers at OR Tambo and King Shaka
Airline passengers can thank the courts for the replacement of four critical Hold Baggage Screening (HBS) units at OR Tambo and King Shaka International Airports. Image: Supplied Airline passengers can thank the courts for the replacement of four critical Hold Baggage Screening (HBS) units at OR Tambo and King Shaka International Airports. This is as a protracted legal dispute continues involving - the Aviation Co-ordination Services (ACS), Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (Sacaa) - over who holds the mandate to provide check-in hold baggage screening (HBS) services at South African airports. The ACS said it had launched the legal action given the risk of service breakdown due to ageing screening infrastructure and manufacturer support withdrawal, which compelled it to seek urgent court relief in 2024 to allow it to replace four back-up Level 3 HBS units at OR Tambo and King Shaka. ACS in November obtained an order barring Acsa from implementing its insourcing decision or awarding any contracts under its tender that directed Acsa to allow ACS to replace the equipment; and ordered Sacaa to approve the replacement within five days. ACS CEO Duke Phahla said, 'We commend Sacaa's recognition of the urgency in replacing aged HBS equipment to ensure uninterrupted security operations at airports. We have always maintained that passenger safety and continuity must come first, and this step reflects that shared concern.' The matter stems from May 2023 when Acsa announced its intention to terminate ACS's long-standing role as the provider of HBS services and to insource the function and subsequently issued a R3.15 billion tender for the procurement of new baggage screening equipment opening the floodgate of legal suits amongst the parties. Following the Gauteng High Court granting for the replacement, Acsa said it contested the ACS's handling of baggage as it was in contravention of the Constitution (which states that all organs of state must engage in procurement that is fair and transparent), the ACSA Act, the Public Finance Management Act, which requires that all airport charges levied to passengers must be approved by a Regulating Committee. Acsa's manager for Communications, Sisa Majola, said in response to enquiries, "The charges currently being levied by ACS are not regulated. The next development in the proceedings will be the hearing of the appeal against the court's order to interdict Acsa from implementing its insourcing of Hold Baggage Screening and the procurement of the screening." Majola said it was crucial that the ACS has challenged Acsa's decision to insource/perform Hold Baggage Screening Services, and a court of law has not heard this matter, nor has ACS been confirmed as the entity entitled to render Hold Baggage Screening Services. Acsa confirmed it would comply with the back-up replacement court order and continue with the appeal, as it was granted leave to appeal by the High Court and would continue to defend the review proceedings. ACS's Phala said, 'While the legal process runs its course, our focus remains on ensuring uninterrupted, world-class baggage screening services for passengers and airlines. We remain committed to working co-operatively with Acsa, Sacaa and all stakeholders to safeguard operational integrity and uphold aviation security standards." In its response, Sacaa said there are no ongoing discussions between the Sacaa and ACS and that further determinations would have to be from court pronouncements.
The Citizen
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Creecy intervenes in Acsa baggage screening services dispute
The dispute has resulted in multiple review applications, interdictory proceedings, and related appeal proceedings in the High Court. ACS provides baggage services on behalf of airlines operating at Acsa-managed airports. Picture: iStock Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has directed the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) board to enter mediation with the firm responsible for baggage handling services at its airports. This comes after Acsa and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) suffered a legal blow last month in their battle with Aviation Co-ordination Services (ACS) to take control of hold baggage control screening (HBS). Legal battles The Gauteng High Court dismissed the urgent appeal by Acsa and SACAA, which barred it from bidding for or purchasing baggage screening equipment. The court judgment upholds the High Court's order of 5 November 2024, requiring Acsa and SACAA to allow ACS to replace the relevant equipment at OR Tambo and King Shaka International Airports while a main review case is still before the courts. It confirmed that the critical replacement of old hold baggage screening (HBS) equipment may proceed at the international airports, which is needed to ensure public safety and airport efficiency. The dispute has resulted in multiple review applications, interdictory proceedings, and related appeal proceedings in the High Court. Creecy's ministerial orders issued on Thursday empower the minister to take necessary steps to safeguard national security where a risk to critical infrastructure, public safety, or the national interest has been identified. ALSO READ: Acsa loses appeal for control of baggage screening services at major airports 'Negative impact' The minister said she is concerned about the 'negative impact' the protracted litigation could have on the integrity and reliability of HBS as the first line of defence against threats in the aviation system at Acsa's airports. 'In this regard, I am satisfied that intervention is necessary to prevent potential disruption, compromise of national security, and reputational harm. 'As such, my engagements with the Acsa board have, in the main, related to finding a solution to resolve the dispute amicably and timeously to obviate any destabilisation of an essential national security function,' said Creecy. ALSO READ: Acsa interdicted from adjudicating and awarding R3bn tender Terms of reference Creecy ordered the board to finalise and execute a mediation agreement which contains the following terms of reference: The implementation of interim measures relating to the maintenance regime and whether ACS / ACSA can or should install any HBS maintenance-related equipment, including the back-up HBS units. The dispute pertaining to ACS, which is responsible for the provision of the HBS and interrelated services, will be addressed at the mediation. The provision of service of HBS and its maintenance, compliance with the applicable regulatory frameworks, budgetary and fiscal constraints, the safety of passengers who use ACSA's airports, potential revision of agreements, and the commercial relations between the parties. Negotiate, during the mediation proceedings, must be in good faith as the legal prescripts require that parties to the mediation act in the best interests of national security. Prepare and submit a comprehensive report within two weeks, setting out the total costs incurred in relation to the dispute to date. This report must include a detailed breakdown of all the legal fees, disbursements, and any other associated expenses borne by the State. Mediation ACS CEO Duke Phahla welcomed the ministerial order announced by Creecy 'We strongly believe that the current challenges can be resolved without further delay or public expenditure through the courts. Our priority is, and always has been, the safe, secure, and compliant screening of baggage on behalf of our airline clients and their passengers. 'We enter this process in the spirit of collaboration and transparency. We look forward to engaging with Acsa and the Department of Transport to find an outcome that protects the integrity of South Africa's aviation security systems,' said Phahla. ACS was established by the airline industry to provide HBS services on behalf of airlines operating at ACSA-managed airports. NOW READ: Acsa wants a look over in fight over baggage screening services
