Airport swings into top gear with more than 190 extra
flights laid on for massive influx of golfing fans

George Airport, air gateway to the Southern Cape, is gearing itself up for the biggest inflow of visitors in the airport's 26-year history, with around 40 000 passengers arriving and departing on more than 190 extra flights laid on for the Presidents Cup.
Airport Manager Jenny Becker says the Presidents Cup means a massive increase in passenger handling. "At George, we normally handle 9 000 to 10 000 passengers a month, but this November over 40 000 passengers are expected, most of them during the end of November."
Jenny's main concerns have been the co-ordination and safety of such large volumes of aircraft and passengers, including international visitors. With safety and customer service levels high on the agenda, she has spearheaded co-ordinated planning meetings since February this year. This has involved several government departments such as Home Affairs, SARS, Border Police and Port Health authorities, and the establishment of an international immigration terminal in the airport's old fire station.
Capacity building has been a priority, as the demands of this event far exceed the infrastructure capacity and a major concern has been projecting actual numbers of passengers and aircraft arrivals - the "unknown" factor.
Preparations have included reviewing and introducing upgraded security plans, adjustment of the security fences to accommodate extra traffic flow, exit routes, bus and public parking areas. All this has had to be done while maintaining the very high standards of service that George Airport has become known for.
The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) says it fully understands the importance of the provision of a safe and secure environment during the hosting of international events of such magnitude.
A team of experienced aviation security experts, headed by Acting Group Executive Security - Mafahle Mareletse, and the Aviation Services Manager for National Airports - Petko Atanassov, has been set up.
For the purpose of the safe and secure facilitation of the Presidents Cup careful analysis of the volume of air traffic movements, mix of aircrafts to be used and estimated number of passengers was conducted. Specific threat analysis was undertaken and in addition to the existing Airport Security Programme specific security measures were developed.
Terminal building capacity, the small airfield and parking mean that George Airport can accommodate a maximum of only 12 aircraft movements per hour - six take offs and six landings - although controllers are trained and equipped to handle more aircraft.
The Airport's chief air traffic controller, Eric Lane, says that to ensure an effective plan for accommodating these passengers, the ATNS (Air Transport and Navigation Services) Central Airspace Management Unit (CAMU) has been roped into the preparations.
Based at Johannesburg International Airport, the CAMU is an innovative department within ATNS that facilitates air traffic flow management and airspace planning for special events like the Presidents Cup.
Peter Schafer