JIA maintains status as Africa’s air hub

ALMOST 13 million passengers made their way through Johannesburg International Airport (JIA) last year, up almost 100% from the 6,4 million recorded in 1993. According to Airports Company South Africa (Acsa), JIA’s daily passenger numbers have grown to an average 36 000 passengers. When comparing December 2002 and the same month in 2003, JIA saw the total number of international passengers increase by 8,4% along with the total number of regional passengers, which increased by 10,4%. Total numbers of domestic passengers were up 12% while JIA’s cargo section recorded an increase of 5%. JIA is spending R44m on a new transfer facility which, by completion in April, will provide a seamless connection between the international and domestic terminals. Meanwhile, Acsa will be hosting the 2004 Airline Interlining Workshop between February 4 -5 for the third consecutive year. “The airlines engage on strategic issues, such as improving routes, opening new routes, codesharing and partnerships which in turn have a major impact on the larger economy,” said Acsa md, Monhla Hlahla who commented on the significance of the workshop. (Miguel de Sousa)