The Air Cargo Africa event was held recently in Ekurhuleni
and attracted a record number of 80 international exhibiting
companies, more than 500 global industry decision-makers and
brought in more than 3 000 trade visitors from across more than
60 countries, including from 30 African nations.
OR Tambo is not only South Africa's busiest airport, but
Joburg's international airport has just been named African
Airport of the Year at the recent Air Cargo Africa conference.
This is the third consecutive year OR Tambo has taken the
title. The award recognises the airport's intent to boost cargo
traffic and enhance its status as the leading airfreight hub in
Africa ?this as the airport has just exceeded 20 million
passengers serviced in 2016 with a 3,8% increase, despite a
number of operational challenges last year.
Floods severely affected certain parts of the airport in
November, as did facilitation of international passengers due to
new biometric requirements for first-time international visitors
to the airport.
OR Tambo General Manager, Bongiwe Pityi, says the management
and staff of the airport are humbled by the award which
underscores their drive to boost cargo volumes.
"We decided two years ago that we need to focus more on the
needs of our stakeholders in order for us to deliver the best
infrastructure required for the total air cargo value chain.
"We are especially pleased that our attention to providing
real-time support to cargo stakeholders is beginning to make
meaningful contributions to the growth and sustainability of the
sector which is currently under considerable economic
pressure,?says Pityi. ?Source: Traveller24
