Approval for Aerotropolis at O.R Tambo International Airport

A 25-YEAR master plan for the Gauteng city region aerotropolis has been approved. The plan boasts a fiveyear implementation plan to develop catalytic projects that have a high likelihood of creating jobs, building businesses and converting the metropolitan area surrounding O.R Tambo International Airport into a business hub over time.

In line with this, plans are underway to develop the airport’s midfield cargo terminal to accommodate growing demand and create opportunities for black-owned businesses, in line with the construction sector transformation strategy.

To consistently meet the growing demand for international and local cargo operators, the Company will expand the midfield cargo facilities at the airport. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted and phase 1 of the project was designed in consultation with the cargo industry to accommodate up to one million tonnes of air cargo annually.

Depending on demand, a second phase will increase the facility’s capacity to two million tonnes a year. The project will be implemented over five to eight years.

Most visible to airport users in the short term will be the start of our major development of the Western Precinct in seven phases involving an investment of some R4,6-billion.

This investment will cater for the increase in demand for a range of facilities at O.R Tambo International Airport.

The Western Precinct comprises a 8.5 hectare site earmarked for mixed-use development (commercial and retail buildings and a hotel), which will be completed in phases by 2020.

The planned iconic structure will be anchored by the Gautrain station as its core and will also provide a unique architectural language to Africa’s largest airport.