ACSA: Airports readying for the world cup

"When the hosting of the 2010 World Cup was announced, we had already started integrating and fast tracking some of our projects with our investment programme due to growing passenger traffic. The World Cup requirements fitted fortuitously within our plans. With exactly 100 days to go, we are confident that together with our airport partners and staff we will be ready to meet the requirements of this major event. With the base camps now confirmed, our operational plan is 90% complete,' said Chris Hlekane, General Manager of O.R. Tambo International Airport.

Infrastructure

Since 2006 Airports Company South Africa has invested about R17 billion expanding and upgrading infrastructure across its network of airports. This infrastructure programme was aimed at matching infrastructure to anticipated traffic growth. What differentiates it from the others is 2010. All infrastructure essential to the successful facilitation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup was simply brought slightly forward.

To summarise the development status to date, at O.R. Tambo International Airport, which will be the key entry point, all the major projects 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 in March 2010, whilst the new, greenfield King Shaka International Airport will be operational on 1 May 2010.

The smaller airports in the stable are 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, whilst a runway refurbishment at Port Elizabeth International Airport is complete.

Operational Readiness

For the airports to be operationally ready, certain information is required from the organisers. Key was the 4 December draw last year to determine which teams will face each other where, then the team base camp confirmation followed . Armed with this information, we now have a good understanding regarding the flow of passengers between the matches and where the majority of the supporters are going to be based.

"What is very clear is that O.R. Tambo International Airport will be a key entry point into country. The golden triangle routes - Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban- will be the busiest throughout the tournament. .Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth International Airports will be busy around match days; to accommodate the additional traffic, Airports Company South Africa is building temporary terminal buildings at these two airports," Hlekane added.

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 2010 FIFA World Cup, are still required.

Fuel Supply

The availability of sufficient fuel to meet the increased demand during the 2010 FIFA World Cup period is recognised as critical to the success of the tournament. As such, it has received priority attention, with the overall plan and contingencies having been presented to and accepted by parliament on 10 February 2010. Airports Company South Africa is confident that the operational plans in place will ensure that no aviation fuel shortages are experienced during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

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. Furthermore, a working committee to coordinate the fuel supply to airports is in operation with representation from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), the South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA), the Department of Energy, the fuel companies and Airports Company South Africa. A daily plan for fuel usage and delivery has been developed specifically for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

For context, the supply of fuel tanks and aircraft refuelling infrastructure are the responsibility of Airports Company South Africa. Airlines contract directly with the fuel companies for the purchase and supply of aviation fuel.

Airport staffing

O.R. Tambo, Cape Town, King Shaka, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth International Airports and George Airport will operate on a 24-hour basis for the duration of the tournament, depending on daily demand. Acceptance for the need to supply this level of support has been discussed with employees and unions and assurances have been given that the exceptional circumstances warrant the commitment of assured service provision. As such, we are not expecting any labour unrest during the tournament.

Customer Service

The 2010 FIFA World Cup has provided impetus 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, its benefits will be recognised and appreciated for years to come. In short, tens of thousands of airport employees across Airports Company South Africa airports will, by the time of the tournament, deliver customer service to the same standard.

Venue Transport Operational Plan

Vehicle volumes accessing the airports will increase dramatically and 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 cooperative programme in partnership with each host city has been in place for some time to create a venue transport operations plan. In each case, it entails rolling out plans for the supply and management of buses, coaches, mini-bus taxis and cars for arrivals and departures. The public transport will be supplied by the host city and tour operators catering for groups.

Conclusion

"With 100 days to go before the 2010 FIFA World Cup, we have now entered a critical stage. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure that the operational plans are completed within the next couple of weeks," Hlekane concluded.