Programme Director
Acting Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Willies Mchunu
Executive Mayor of eThekwini Obed Mlaba
Acting Director-General of Transport, George Mahlalela
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) Managing Director, Monhla Hlahla
Distinguished guests
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen
2010 FIFA World Cup
As South Africa gets ready to host the most significant sporting event in the world the 2010 FIFA World Cup, major developments in transport infrastructure are taking place. One of the projects linked to this global event is this new international airport at La Mercy which we have built at a cost of more than R7 billion.
While this airport will come into operation in March 2010, owing to the FIFA World Cup we will keep the two Durban airports operational to cater for the expected influx of passengers during that period. So KwaZulu-Natal will for some time next year have two international airports operating at the same time.
Our presence here today is testimony that come 2010 our airports, roads and rail infrastructure will be ready to accommodate the transportation of more than 400 000 expected fans to various places for the tournament.
Benefits
La Mercy airport has long been in the planning. It moved from planning to construction. Now we are pleased to say that it will be ready for its first aircraft way before the start of the world cup in June 2010.
This airport will have the capacity to initially facilitate 7,5 million passengers annually with a 3,7 kilometre runway that will accommodate the new generation aircraft. It is envisaged that this airport by 2060, should be able to facilitate a projected 45 million passengers.
The airport at La Mercy is the first green fields airport in South Africa in a long time. This project represents South Africa’s belief in the future as does other renovations at ten major airports including the construction of the R900m central terminal building at Cape Town International Airport.
With the construction and operation of the airport at this airport, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) envisages many job and business opportunities will be created. We estimate that about 270 000 jobs will be created directly and indirectly due to this project. We envisage that this will add to the contribution to the National gross domestic product (GDP) of R20 billion.
We also estimate that the project will result in the increase of fixed investments at R6,9 billion and the increased government revenues and taxes at R4,3 billion.
Keeping up with doubling capacity
It is important to build this infrastructure because the world is not waiting for us. The airline industry in South Africa and the world has grown significantly over the past 15 years.
* In 2009 we have 54 airlines flying into South Africa
* By comparison in 1993 we had 18 airlines flying into South Africa
* In 2009 passenger traffic has grown to 23 million
* By comparison in 1999 this we stood at 12 million
These figures are a direct reflection of the state of travel internationally. A country such as South Africa attracts tourism in greater numbers every year. It is therefore necessary for infrastructure to track this growth as closely as possible.
ACSA has successfully focused on this key infrastructure to make our airports formidable global competitors by introducing efficiencies and higher customer service standards.
As a result of these investments, South African airports successfully facilitate business and holiday trips in a manner which leaves an impression and increases repeat visitors.
Beyond 2010, our airport infrastructure must meet our projected economic growth and investment and help us achieve sustainable growth and leave a legacy in transport development.
We expect that airports in South Africa may have to double in capacity every nine years to keep up with demands from airlines, passengers and supporting services. These will increase capacity at a number of South Africa’s international and national airports.
While developments at Africa's largest international airport, OR Tambo International Airport, are the most significant in ACSA’s portfolio and will increase capacity at that airport by 2010, ACSA is underway with infrastructure projects at all of its properties.
Naming of Airport
Naming an airport is a process which is not only of interest to locals but is also of interest to the aviation community internationally. There are a number of options we could follow. We could decide to start by agreeing what name we want to give to this airport at La Mercy. We could do this through ways which as a democracy should include the views of all the major stakeholders.
We could then have Cabinet officially announce the final name. The naming process would not be complete until the international civil aviation organisation (ICAO) determines a code for the airport which would be used by the international aviation community including pilots and travel agencies. This is a very long and involved process.
The name change for Oliver Tambo International was formally announced in the Government Gazette of South Africa on 30 June 2006. This came after allowing a 30-day window for the public to register objections. The name change was implemented on 27 October 2006 with the unveiling of new signs at the airport.
La Mercy is a new airport, a green field project. Renaming becomes even more urgent because internationally they cannot fly to a place with no name. After the final draw in December 04 2009, travel agents must start booking for the World Cup in June 2010 because the countries will know where the first round matches will be played. We therefore cannot afford not to be ready ourselves.
Fast-tracking the naming process
It is October 2009 now. As the national department we are running out of time. We must receive official submissions from the province officially proposing the name and having completed their own consultation process. Once we receive this submission we will engage in our own long process which as indicated involves the opening of the period for objections before it is taken to Cabinet.
We are running out of time because this airport must start operating by Easter in 2010. We are therefore calling for the fast tracking of this process from all sides in order to ensure we are ready for our first flight in 2009.
Conclusion
As we get ready to host the 2010 World Cup, we are confident that our integrated public transport networks, we will ensure that the connectivity of trains, taxis, buses and aeroplanes should facilitate the movement of people, reducing travelling times and the cost to our people.
I thank you!
Issued by: Department of Trade and Industry
13 October 2009
