In view of the decision by the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) to move the international airport license from Pilanesberg to Mafikeng, and the airport’s inability to attract scheduled (commercial) flight operations, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has resolved to withdraw its management services from Pilanesberg International Airport, ACSA announced today (22 September 2011).
The withdrawal will be effective from 30 September 2011.
ACSA has been managing the airport, which is owned by the NWPG, since 1998, but it reached a point where it was no longer economically viable. The decision to transfer the international license to the provincial capital, Mafikeng, would have worsened the airport’s situation as it would have lost foreign direct flights in addition to having no scheduled air traffic movements.
ACSA is now in the process of conducting a handover with the provincial government and has already planned the redeployment of the eleven Pilanesberg International staff members to other ACSA airports. ACSA has committed to continue working closely with the provincial government during the handover process to ensure that its departure from Pilanesberg International Airport is trouble free.
Over the years ACSA has built strong bonds with the aviation fraternity, airport stakeholders, local and provincial governments, as well as the local community. ACSA wishes to thank all the role players for their support over the past 13 years.
For enquiries, contact:
Solomon Makgale
Group Manager: Communications
Airports Company South Africa
011-723-1536 or 082-781-8863
