CT airport upgrade enhances security

The completion of a ninemonth long upgrade at Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) has created a safer and more seamless operating environment, according to Airports Company South Africa (Acsa). Acting communications manager Deborah Francis told FTW tenants had welcomed the R18-million upgrade as it not only ensures better operations but the entire facility is now more secure. “The ultimate aim of the upgrade that started in February this year was to create a more secure environment along with better management of the facility, improving the collection and delivery of cargo at the airport,” Francis told FTW. The upgrade involved the construction of a staff parking facility, which resulted in 200 parking bays being created. This also included CCTV monitoring, lighting and access-controlled gates. “The airport has also created an area for Universal Loading Devices (ULDs) which will be placed according to the tenants’ requirements. We have also constructed four delivery ramps which are wheel chair friendly and installed National Key Point fencing around the perimeter of the facility.” Francis said road access had been configured to suit heavy-duty trucks while a reconfiguration of the storm water outflow in the area hed been undertaken. “Overall the facility is now far safer than before with controlled access into the cargo area,” she said.