By Luyanda Makapela

Arriving and departing from OR Tambo International Airport should become an easier experience for travellers when the Airport Management Centre is launched in August.

OR Tambo International Airport General Manager Chris Hlekane said all airline stakeholders will in future come together at the centre to discuss operational matters within the airport so that decisions can be made timeously.

Addressing reporters at the airport, Mr Hlekane said the centre was being set up to ensure efficiency and less inconvenience to customers during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

With about 23 million passengers to be catered for during the world cup, Mr Hlekani said infrastructure was not the only solution to creating capacity for growing passenger numbers.

“Putting the current economic conditions of escalating fuel costs and rising interest rates aside, it make sense to balance infrastructure development with maximising operational efficiencies,” said Mr Hlekani.

He said with technology playing a role in maximising the use of parking facility, the bay detection project was currently being implemented in parking facilities around the airport.

This has already generated positive feedback from visitors.

“There are now sensors above parking bays which activate lights that turn from green to red when occupied by vehicles.

“These lights make it easier for drivers to locate empty parking bays this means that facilities are utilised more effectively,” the general manager said.

More than 300 additional parking bays have been made available and improvements have been made in terms of controlling parking space at the airport.

With regards to security at the airport, Central Screening, Police Control Room and Information Kiosk Projects have already been set up to facilitate the effective security measures at the airport.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has assured the country and the rest of the world that the country's airports will be ready to accommodate soccer fans during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

ACSA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Monhla Hlahla said it was all systems go regarding improvements to the country's airports.

"There has been a tremendous change in terms of infrastructure, we have improved our airports in terms of space and technology.”

Ms Hlahla said construction at the OR Tambo International Airport would be completed by the end of 2009.

BuaNews