OR Tambo named African airport of the year
This was the fourth time the airport has won the award.
OR Tambo International Airport, South Africa’s biggest and busiest port of entry, was named African Airport of the Year at the recent Air Cargo Africa conference and exhibition.
The Air Cargo Africa 2019 event in Ekurhuleni attracted more than 80 international exhibiting companies and more than 3 000 trade visitors from 60 countries including from 30 African nations.
General Manager of the airport Bongiwe Pityi-Vokwana said the purpose of the annual awards is to honour and recognise outstanding achievements by leading cargo logistics service providers.
“Airports and airlines on various factors including equipment, performance, information technology and customer service,” said Pityi-Vokwana.
“The management and staff are humbled by the award which underscores their drive to boost cargo volumes.
“We are extremely proud to have been named African Airport of the Year over the past few years. Winning this award demonstrates our commitment to deliver the best infrastructure for our stakeholders.
“We look forward to continuing to strengthen trade and commerce in our region,” said Pityi-Vokwana.
Conference hosts Messe München South Africa say this year’s event was attended by about 20 CEOs of global airlines and air cargo companies.
Organisers say that what was particularly different this year was the level of attendance by senior executives which is an indication of growing interest in facilitating air cargo-based trade with Africa.
Pityi-Vokwana said 82 per cent of South Africa’s total air cargo volume of about 400 000 tons a year is routed through O.R Tambo International Airport’s western precinct cargo terminal with 92 per cent of the total being international cargo.
“The flow and destinations of air cargo are driven by the cargo community. Cargo airlines go where their customers are and the airline’s customers, the agents, decide on the routing.
“The local cargo community members are therefore essential to supporting the airport and its growth.
“Cargo plays a big role in the revenue stream of airlines. We continue to work hard to position the airport as a key player in the worldwide air cargo business with South Africa as the gateway for Sub-Saharan Africa and a turntable between South America, Australia and Asia,” said Pityi-Vokwana.
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