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The airport is upgraded to accomodate this
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February 08, 2006, 17:45
Construction at the Johannesburg International Airport to accommodate the A380 Airbus will be completed by the end of 2008, the Airports Company SA said today.
Erik Kriel, the chief airports planner, said the massive rehabilitation project, to cost about R10 billion over the next few years, had already begun. "Due to the 2010 Soccer World Cup the upgrading began about three years ago, but there will be more massive upgrades to the runways and terminals," Kriel said at a press conference at the airport. "We expect traffic at the airport to double in the next nine to ten years. The Airbus will carry about 550 passengers so we have to accommodate for the arrival and departure of 550 passengers at a time."
International traffic had increased by 6% in the past 10 years and was expected to increase by 12% in the next 10 years, Kriel said. The central terminal building, international and domestic terminals, arrival and departure terminals, check-points as well as the gate and stand capacity would be upgraded.
The expansion and development of the retail mall and seating area would be completed by the end of next year.
Air bridges
"Outside, two air bridges will be installed, runways and taxi-ways will be expanded, we have started a working group with airside operators and provisions will be made for remote parking positions of the A380," Kriel said. "Everything at the airport will be extended and the bus station will be enlarged. We are also making provision for A380 carousels to ensure that the hundreds of passengers who get off the Airbus can access their luggage easily."
The arrivals concourse would also be enlarged, and another 75 check-in counters would be built.
"...And yes, extra parking space will be built, but we were already working on that. I'm sure those of you who come to the airport often enough will be glad about this," added Kriel. He said the airport was being rehabilitated to accommodate the A380 because the Airbus was important for Johannesburg International Airport.
Cape Town International Airport was the preferred diversion for the A380, and two more runways would be constructed there, Kriel said. - Sapa
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