J Radebe: Address at Annual Conference Board of Airline Representatives
of South Africa

23 March 2007

Chairperson of the Board of Airline Representatives,
Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Airline Representatives, June
Crawford,
Members of the aviation industry,
Distinguished guests,
Members of the media,
Ladies and gentlemen

The aviation industry continues to thrive as an inevitable engine for the
acceleration of economic growth, job creation and social development. Our
economy adapts to an ever-changing global environment with many challenges
peculiar to technological advancement and we ought to transform with the
demands of international and domestic growing economies and the aviation
industry plays a critical role in this regard.

It is indeed my privilege as the Minister of Transport and my association
with the Board of Airline Representatives that I can truly relate to the
important perspective, which you bring to surface on aviation issues. Your
association is truly unique and in its make up ensures that women participate
in social and economic roles in this industry. I value the opportunity to be
here today and perhaps it is prudent to recap and state the progress made on
important issues covered at the last conference which include the
following:

* regulations on Cargo Security and Procedures (Part 108)
* National Aviation Safety Plan (NASP)
* update on airport and aviation security
* security evaluation exercises
* designated Security Officers
* South African Police Service (SAPS) at airports
* access to the airside at Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA)
airports
* security plans.

The aviation industry turns around on one thing only and that is 'being able
to be on time.' It is really my pleasure in announcing to you that whilst we
may have spoken about the regulations on cargo procedures and security last
year, as we currently interact at this conference, Part 108 of the civil
aviation regulations has been approved and will shortly be promulgated well on
time. The Department of Transport has been instrumental in advancing these
regulations and expediting the process and we, as an industry, can truly relate
and appreciate the importance which comes with ensuring that the cargo carried
aboard your airlines within our skies are safe and secure.

The National Aviation Safety Plan (NASP) has been in our country for some
time now and thus far the department has received 72 Security Plans for
consideration and approval. These include 20 Airport Security Plans, 10 South
African Airline Plans and 42 foreign Airline Security Plans. With the recent
global aviation security threats and issues such as baggage tampering and
pilferage the Chief: Civil Aviation Security is currently reviewing the NASP
document which may then require that these plans as submitted by the South
African aviation community need to be revised, updated and resubmitted. I can
sincerely state that I am fully aware of the hard work that this may
require.

I wish to convey my appreciation to all those involved in this hard work of
ensuring that these plans are put together and equally important are
implemented. It is really a sad world in which we live, where global terrorism
has redefined everything which we do. As such, whilst aviation is still
considered by many as the romantic and indulgent way in which to travel, it is
left to the industry to deal with the prevalent threats and ensure that
passengers and cargo are safe and secured. This task is by no means an easy
one, both for us as South Africans as well as the global community. Hence my
appreciation for the unwavering commitment extended by your association and the
industry at large towards aviation and airport security.

Airport security globally is under threat irrespective of boundaries,
nationalities or which airline you fly on. We are all on the same trip. So what
is it that has been done thus far in our own country, which allows us to
address such threats? The Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) has employed
the services of aviation security specialists to assist in access control
training, in the screening of passengers and to provide training on the usage
of the several types of security scanning machines positioned at the
checkpoints.

They are also tasked with addressing processes and procedures for security
personnel at our airports. OR Tambo International Airport is the first South
African airport to have fully implemented the new colour coded access card
system. The airports company has been inundated with complaints from users that
they are unable to access certain areas. When people complain on stringent
security measures it means something, indeed it signals that it is not easy nor
an option for just anybody to freely access key strategic areas in the airport.
In fact I can sincerely state that this colour coded access card system is to
be fast tracked by ACSA and implemented countrywide at all ACSA airports. The
Chief: Civil Aviation Security is also engaged with the other airports in our
country to implement the same if not a similar system, which controls and
regulates the movement of staff employed at such airports.

International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) conducted a security audit
on our airports and the South African Civil Aviation Authority in August last
year and it is once again a reflection of the positive progress, which we as an
aviation community have made thus far. The positive report received from ICAO
on the security audit has been remarkable. We have in aviation terms passed
with 'flying' colours.

However I must caution that this is certainly one area of this industry
which cannot allow for a second to relax, because such an indulgence cannot be
allowed in the interest of the safety and security of the flying public, the
workers at the airports, business operating at the airports and equally
important, the airlines.

On the same note, the Transport Security Authority of the United States of
America (USA) conducted a similar exercise in January 2007 and their reports
just confirm the ICAO report; in certain instances I am informed that they were
quite impressed with some of our systems implemented at our airports. Whilst a
lot has happened in the past year on aviation security, I must assure you as
stated to you last year that the then newly appointed Chief: Civil Aviation
Security has been quite active in a number of important issues.

There have been widespread rumours of a secret operative at our airports. It
is none other than the Chief himself performing personally his ad hoc
unannounced inspections countrywide, which was more focused on the
international airports. Whilst this is a continuous exercise, I must mention
the importance which aviation will play when it comes to the 2010 FIFA World
Cup. With this in mind and I am confident we all appreciate that a large number
of airlines stop at either OR Tambo International Airport or Cape Town
International Airport as the final arrival point in South Africa, there still
remains that important element of domestic connectivity.

The Chief: Civil Aviation Security will in the future also take an active
role in addressing the other airports within the country. These airports must
be prepared in capacity, safety and security as we progress to that important
year 2010. I trust that the Chief: Civil Aviation Security will be well
supported in this regard.

Security is so important at airports that the Department of Transport has
engaged the Department of Safety and Security in terms of re-organising and
upgrading their operations at the airports. To this day, there has been an
impetus in this regard on the part of the South African Police Services. We
will continue to see an increased presence of both our police officers and
security personnel at the airports. Access control at airport gates has been
addressed by ACSA, however once again may I reiterate that this is a continuous
exercise and an area, which the Chief for Civil Aviation Security will in the
future have a stronger focus on. As we anticipate an increased number of
visitors for the 2010 World Cup, ACSA has ramped up its capital expenditure to
R19,3 billion to meet expected growth in passenger traffic beyond 2010. ACSA
expects its nine airports to handle 31 million passengers by 2010.

I truly appreciate that this is an airline conference and as such there are
a lot of other issues, which I could talk upon. Nevertheless once again terror
has reared its ugly head. The fairly recent terror threat of liquid explosives
in the United Kingdom (UK) has now meant a new adjustment to aviation travel.
ICAO has conveyed new measures to be implemented in this regard.

The Chief for Civil Aviation Security has been tasked to ensure that the
ICAO recommendation issued in regards to Liquids, Aerosols and gels is
implemented. It will be very important for passengers to plan in advance. South
Africans will need to familiarise themselves with the new measures for carry on
baggage and liquids, aerosols and gels accordingly. Whilst this may appear to
be burdensome on passengers, I trust that the airline community would do its
utmost best to sensitise the flying public on this extremely important issue.
South Africa is a peace-loving nation and we would all sincerely want this to
remain the status quo.

Our airlift strategy, which was adopted by Cabinet in the middle of last
year, places much emphasis on tourism and I am sure that we can all appreciate
the economic benefits derived from this strategy. Whilst I am on this issue, I
must note that our position on airport security personnel being viewed as the
term applies 'user friendly' will change. Not the character, but the appearance
of these dedicated security personnel.

In the forthcoming months the uniform of these personal will be more in line
with international trends, whereby they would be groomed in police-like uniform
with badges, which clearly reflect Security Officers and granted additional
powers in which they may execute their duties. In addition the Department of
Transport will deploy dedicated Inspectors at these security checkpoints. This
inception is by no means an indication that we intend on making the
facilitation and processing of passengers cumbersome, but to ensure that
security at these checkpoints are exactly that, security.

The past year has seen several forms of security violations, both aboard
aircraft and on the ground. Some of these violations are of serious concern to
Government. This is not just a South African problem, but also a global one.
However, we as the South African government view any such transgression in a
serious light and will within the confines of legislation deal as harshly as we
can with the perpetrators.

There is no way that we will continue to accept aircraft heist, violent
behaviour aboard an aircraft or other forms of crime committed at the airports.
The department is strongly focused on routing out unruly behaviour of
passengers and is currently engaged in drafting legislation to deal with this
particular issue.

Airport security and baggage pilferage, in particular, continue to receive
priority at all ACSA airports. It is confirmed by ACSA that there will be
additional measures implemented to reduce baggage pilferage. In addition, ACSA
has embarked on a ramp handling tender process, which I am informed includes
stringent deliverables which aim at ensuring that the companies who are tasked
with moving the bags to and from the aircraft are well managed with a firm
focus on routing out baggage pilferage.

I am sure that all airlines will welcome this and support the process going
forward. Moving South Africa is still very much the focal point in my
department's agenda. The department has commenced with capacity building under
the astute leadership of the recently appointed Chief Director for Civil
Aviation. I am pleased to announce that there is a high level of productive
activity within this Directorate especially focused on accelerating the rate of
liberalisation within our skies.

This focus is well supported by the Airlift Strategy, which has been
approved by Cabinet and I am glad to report that the department is now centred
upon unpacking this strategy into an Airlift Plan, with emphasis on both a
domestic and an international implementation plan. Liberalisation of our skies
is very much underway and is being addressed by the department in a managed
process. This includes a thorough analysis of all existing bilateral agreements
and reviewing the utilisation of frequencies contained in the Bilateral Air
Services Agreements. Failure of a designated South African carrier authorised
to conduct services within these agreements will result in the application of
the use-it-or-lose-it principle.

I am pleased to announce that in March 2007, we have made progress in our
discussions with Angola and are on track with engaging our Mozambican aviation
counterparts. As we progress with the implementation process of the Airlift
Strategy, the department is actively engaged in discussions with the
aeronautical authorities of Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Argentina,
Senegal, Gambia, and Kenya.

I am confident that the benefits that will result from such discussions will
contribute significantly towards the expansion of aviation within our skies. If
there was progress made in these discussions, then we would have moved towards
a more sustainable industry. South Africa is a huge country, with a large
population, however the benefits of air travel have not really reached out to
the greater population.

This is an area, which my department will also exert their efforts on. I am
sure that as our economy grows, more of our people will want to travel, further
and often. This is a development that we would all like to see as larger
numbers of South Africans flying often and making best use of the investments
ploughed into modernising and expanding our aviation infrastructure will lead
to the accelerated growth of the aviation industry and the economy as a
whole.

The Chief Director responsible for Civil Aviation has informed me of the
department's strategy of visiting Airline Executive Management including the
Chief Executives of the airlines and adopting the public service approach of
how can we be of assistance to you is well on track. The report I have received
on these visits is amazing and as I stand in front of you today it makes me
really proud to state that we have within our country an aviation industry that
is firm on its commitment in contributing towards economic growth. I must
acknowledge such a positive contribution with a humble thank you.

With growth very much on our radar screens, it is prudent to note that there
is an increase in investments being made on aviation infrastructure. Whilst we
all can appreciate the confidence instilled within the development of this
industry and the real testing times we are in, with all the construction taking
place at airports around the country, it is incumbent on acknowledging the
contribution being made by the Economic Regulator, who I can assure you, has
acted with such vigour and candour in executing their duty in a calculated and
professional manner.

On the topic of the Regulator, the department will during this year
concentrate on strengthening the structure of the South African Civil Aviation
Authority who is tasked with the safety and security oversight of our skies.
The department will establish the office of an independent Chief Commissioner
who will be outside the ambit of the South African Civil Aviation Authority.
Such an office will be of significant benefit both in terms of good corporate
governance and will allow the industry with an independent appeal body.

Our aviation industry is maturing, and we will soon see the promulgation of
the Convention on International Interest in Mobile Equipment Bill, 2007. This
Bill will allow airlines access to obtaining financing instruments at reduced
cost. The additional benefits are a centralised registry, which provides
greater confidence in the decision to grant credit to airlines and reduces
borrowing costs. I am sure that this Bill will indeed advance the rate of
growth of aviation in South Africa.

As we move towards 2010, significant questions will be asked in terms of
aviation's response to this mammoth task. It's like any great moment in life,
the moment is short, the experience priceless, but the build up to the moment a
lifetime. I am sure that we all know what�s required of all of us. The Aviation
Sub-sector Task Team I am assured is in dialogue with the aviation industry and
as we approach that 1 000 day mark and start the countdown to the whistled kick
off, I am counting on every single facet within the aviation industry to ensure
that we take off on time. This is a great challenge and one that will see
perhaps all our airports, from those capable of handling the new airbus A380 to
the smaller aircraft being brimmed to capacity. Our skies will be covered will
a variety of tails. Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (BARSA)
has an important role for this event and I am without a doubt in my mind that
this Association will "fly" to the challenge.

Our plans to increase airlift capacity, continuously strengthening our
security, ensuring that we have proper safety oversight are all perfect
indicators of government's vision to create employment, reduce poverty and
create a sustainable economic platform from which we all can benefit. The
increasingly competitive environment and dynamic aviation-operating environment
obviously will present new challenges and many exciting opportunities.

We have thus far been successful in making South Africa a choice
destination, and have established a vibrant aviation cluster for South Africa.
I know and am confident of your unwavering support in this regard in continuing
to build upon this firm foundation and spare no effort to aggressively compete
and build upon an even stronger aviation industry.

In conclusion, ladies and gentlemen, our government's doors are open for
this industry. My department has embarked on the strengthening of the Civil
Aviation directorate and as stated earlier, the question is, what can we do for
you? We know that we have the structure to significantly increase capacity. We
would like to see more flights, more employment and more women in senior
positions within this industry.

The government and in particular, the Department of Transport, are here for
you and in keeping with the spirit of reciprocity, we are fully assured that we
can work together in achieving a safer, secure and growing aviation industry
for all of us.

I thank you.

Issued by: Department of Transport
23 March 2007
Source: Department of Transport (http://www.dot.gov.za)