A new international remote bussing gate, serving departures to remotely parked aircraft, has been opened at O.R. Tambo International Airport as part of the R535 million International Pier Development project. The new gate has increased the airport’s remote bussing facility from eight gates to 12 and is expected to significantly increase the airports capacity for departing international passengers.The facility boasts state-of-the art facilities which are also environmentally friendly. With energy efficient light fittings dotting the new gate, a notable feature here is one of the longest escalators in South African history which is also energy-saving, automatically operating to full capacity only on demand. The spaciously designed gate will also raise passenger comfort levels.“Management at O.R. Tambo International Airport has committed itself to making new facilities available to airport operations in a phased approach in order to maintain the seamless processing of our airport’s ever-increasing number of passengers. The opening of the spacious new bussing gate is a prelude to the unveiling of Phase One of the new International Pier next month,” says Kesavan Naicker, Projects Manager at O.R. Tambo.Phase One of the project is expected to positively impact on passengers arriving and departing internationally with nine additional contact stands expected to come into operation. This phase of the project will essentially be functional and will significantly increase O.R. Tambo’s capacity to process an increased number of passengers within a shorter period of time. Completion of the second and final phase will comprise of the introduction of added amenities (such as airline lounges and retail) that will be on offer to international passengers at the airport. The new International Pier, scheduled for completion next year, will comprise holding lounges, airside commercial areas, an extension to the existing Duty Free Mall and boarding gates.
_____________________________________________________For enquiries, contact: Nothemba Noruwana Communications ManagerAirports Company South AfricaTel: 011 921 6087 / 0835018282E-mail: nothemba.noruwana@airports.co.za
