Investment towards Airport Upgrades
Both international and national airports within the borders of South Africa will be ready for the influx of visitors expected in the country for the 2010 Soccer Finals. It is expected that the airport updates are moving along such pace that all airport updates will be completed long before the first game kicks off. This assurance was given by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) when the company released its financial results earlier. A capital expenditure budget of R5.2 billion has been spent as of 2005 through to 2009. Most of this money has been used at the country’s three international airports, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. The airport upgrades include facility upgrades that are essential for 2010 but will largely be used to maintain world-class standards in aviation and tourism long after the conclusion of Soccer Finals 2010.
Airport Upgrades planned prior to World Cup Announcement
It is interesting to note that much of the airport upgrades, more specifically the infrastructural upgrades, had been planned long before South Africa won the rights to host the Soccer Finals. The awarding of the tournament to South Africa, however, has meant an acceleration and bringing forward of capital expenditure programmes planned for future regulatory cycles beyond 2010. The experience of previous hosts indicated that the event would attract increased numbers of foreign visitors, not only during the weeks of the event itself but also in the months and years leading up to 2010. Apart from having to be equipped to cope with the increased traffic demands, ACSA airports will also have to take account of future and long-term infrastructure requirements which go beyond the Soccer Finals. All airport upgrades are scheduled around long-term requirements and not specifically for the Soccer Finals.
Increased Capacity part of Airport Upgrades
The OR Tambo International Airport will be the main beneficiary of the airport upgrades. The airport’s central terminal development will cost an estimated R1.6-billion. This facility will also include a terminus for the Gautrain, a high-speed train which is to link the airport to Johannesburg, Sandton and Pretoria. Construction on the Gautrain is in an advanced phase. Other construction planned for the airport includes two multi-story parkades, additional aircraft parking aprons, and facilities for the new Airbus A380. Cape Town and Durban International Airports will also be receiving airport upgrades to their terminals, parking and aircraft facilities. Airport upgrades and new facilities have not been limited to the international airports though. A sum of money has also been invested in refurbishments at various national airports during the last couple of years, with provision for temporary facilities during the tournament itself.
