ACSA signs sister-agreement with Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta

ACSA

Cape Town — Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has signed a sister agreement with the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, to boost trade between South Africa and the USA.

In a statement on X, ACSA said the agreement will promote collaboration in operational best practices, cargo operations and passenger services. ACSA CEO, Mpumi Mpofu, said the agreement was an opportunity to foster collaboration, growth and excellence.

“This Agreement is a strategic partnership forged in the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. It will pave the way for new opportunities, greater connectivity, and mutual growth,” she said.

She said a critical focus area was cargo air development between Southern Africa and North America, with Atlanta as a gateway.

“We have allocated over 330 million dollars in Capital Expenditure in the next 8 years for the construction of a Cargo Terminal at O.R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg,” she said.

The infrastructure goes beyond just moving goods, but also connecting continents, fostering trade and driving economic growth. Currently, there are direct flights from Delta Airlines between OR Tambo and Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, while there are also flights between Atlanta and Cape Town three times a week.

“This is a testament to Atlanta’s commitment to our region and the significant role our air transport system plays as a gateway into Southern Africa and North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean,” Mpofu added. 

In a statement by the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, the agreement is part of the “Atlanta Phambili”. Interim General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, Jan Lennon, said the partnership is an opportunity for growth and learning.

“We are excited to work closely with our colleagues at O.R. Tambo International Airport to enhance connectivity and share expertise, ensuring both airports continue to lead globally,” Lennon said.

Chief of Staff in Atlanta, Odie Donald II, said the agreement showed Atlanta’s growing influence on the global stage.

“By building bridges with key international partners like South Africa, we not only strengthen our airport operations but also open doors to economic development and cultural exchange that will benefit both regions for years to come,” Donald said.

Cynthia Griffin, Minister for Commercial Affairs, said the agreement was important for foreign policies in Atlanta.

“The agreement reflects the spirit of the Atlanta Phambili initiative, which seeks to advance our bilateral partnership through economic, educational, and cultural exchanges. Phambili, which means “forward” in South African languages Zulu and Xhosa, embodies the optimism we have for the future of U.S.-South Africa relations.” Griffin said.

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Compiled by Matthew Petersen

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