Aircraft stands will
be increased to 103
THE NEW R1,6 billion five-year plan for the redevelopment and expansion of Johannesburg International Airport (JIA) will focus on the increasing freight as well as passenger traffic.
The plan, which came into effect last month, is known as the Western Precinct Development Master Plan and is expected to be completed in the year 2004.
Passenger traffic has increased by 27% and cargo traffic by 24% above forecast, according to JIA general manager, Rory Mackey.
The new strategy involves the redevelopment of three elements of the JIA -the terminal building, the air and land aspects.
The number
of aprons
will also be increased.
The total terminal areas are expected to increase from
80 000m2 to 235 000m2 within the five years.
Mackey said that air cargo at JIA was experiencing substantial growth.
The airport was currently handling just over 290 000t/y but according to current trends this will increase to 600 000t in the year 2010/11.
The proposed strategy is to develop a highly mechanised cargo centre in mid-field, between the runways, to be developed and managed in partnership with world-class operators.
The number of aircraft stands will be increased to 103. Taxiways will be reconfigured and six high-speed runway exits will be constructed so that aircraft will not have to come almost to a stop to turn off the runway.
The number of aprons will also be increased.
On the land side, the internal JIA road system will be improved to connect to the new terminals.
